Sherwood Park property owners no longer have to worry about enforcement for two common weeds after the Alberta government updated its weed list in early 2026. The province removed creeping bellflower and perennial sow thistle from regulation on January 28, meaning Strathcona County weed inspectors cannot issue notices for these plants.

The change came through a Ministerial Order that updated the Weed Control Act list, removing plants that are now too widespread to control. County officials say these two species are extremely common nuisance weeds and inspectors will not respond to reports about them. This gives residents one less thing to worry about as weed inspection season begins in June 2026.

Starting in June, county weed inspectors will be out actively checking properties throughout Sherwood Park and rural Strathcona County. Under provincial law, inspectors can enter private property without homeowner permission to look for noxious and prohibited noxious weeds. If a property owner fails to control regulated weeds after receiving a notice, the county can do the work and charge the cost to the owner's property taxes.

While creeping bellflower and perennial sow thistle are off the list, many weeds remain regulated. Homeowners must still manage plants such as Canada thistle, ox-eye daisy, tall buttercup, and scentless chamomile. The weed inspection program encourages residents to regularly check their properties and stop the spread of listed weeds.

For more information, residents can contact Strathcona County's weed inspectors at 780-417-7100 or visit the County's weed control page.