Sue Cerilli says the city uses chemicals that endanger the health of native plant and animal species, but the community insists on following best practices
Sue Cerilli is concerned about the health of residents, the environment and what she sees as the erosion of the democratic system.
The long-time Innisfil resident is trying to raise awareness about the “deeply disturbing” planned spraying of the chemicals glyphosate and imazapyr, which are being used to curb the spread of phragmites in many neighborhoods across the city.
“As a resident of Innisfil for over 35 years and a grandparent, I was shocked to learn of this initiative – particularly given that it was undertaken without prior notice, consultation or consent from local residents,” she said. “This lack of transparency raises serious concerns about public health, environmental safety and the democratic process.”
In particular, the chemicals may pose a threat to human health by causing respiratory, neurological and developmental problems. However, they can also damage and kill vegetation and trees, harm wildlife such as birds, amphibians and pollinators, and contaminate waterways, Cerilli claims.
“We urge local authorities to pause all chemical spraying activities until full public consultation has taken place,” she said. “There are proven, non-toxic alternatives that should be seriously considered. This is not just a technical issue, but a matter of public trust, environmental protection and community well-being.”
According to the city, treatment in 20 rainwater systems throughout the municipality should be completed by October 31st. Clear signage will be posted at all locations prior to and during application in accordance with provincial requirements.
Adjacent property owners were notified directly between Sept. 8 and 12, which exceeded the minimum on-site signage requirements, said Jeremy Nyenhuis, manager of city stormwater, drainage and environmental services.
“We recognize that invasive plant management can be delicate and are committed to balancing public safety, environmental protection and the use of the most effective, science-based control methods,” he said. “The two products used are both approved for use in Canada under the Pesticide Control Products Act and are designed to bind strongly to soil particles once they reach the ground. Glyphosate in particular attaches to soil and settles rather than moving freely through water, reducing the risk of leaching and protecting groundwater.”
“Both products break down naturally in the soil over time and are approved products for controlling invasive phragmites.”
The city has been trying to combat the spread for nearly a decade, although the decision to spray is supported in part by a presentation to Innisfil council in 2021 by Janice Gilbert, founder of the Invasive Phragmites Control Center, who spoke about the negative effects of the perennial grass and noted that herbicides were the most efficient method of control.
“We do have native phragmites in the landscape, but the problem is this invasive type from Europe,” Gilbert said at the time. “It shouldn't be here. In fact, it was recognized as Canada's worst invasive plant in 2005. It has many mechanisms of spread. It's a significant problem on the Great Lakes. There's a strategy that can make this work – it's certainly working in Innisfil.”
“When we use herbicides, people think we're killing everything. We're not. We're killing the phragmites – the native plants are coming back, the insects are coming back, the birds are coming back. I've seen it with my own eyes.”
Non-toxic alternatives could include manual and mechanical methods (spading, underwater cutting and seed head removal), targeted grazing (goats have been used in cities like Mississauga and Toronto), biological controls (microbe-based bioherbicides and endophyte manipulation) and tarps (which block sunlight and suppress regrowth in small areas), said Cerilli.
However, Nyenhuis stressed that the city follows the Best Management Practices (BMP) for invasive phragmites developed by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.
“The BMP pointed out that among the most effective techniques for controlling invasive phragmites is the targeted application of herbicides,” he said. “Mechanical and “natural” methods such as cutting, tarping or goat grazing have been tried in Ontario but have had limited success, particularly because they do not address the extensive underground rhizomes that allow invasive phragmites to spread. In many cases, these methods still require subsequent use of herbicides to be effective.”
Cerilli says that over the past four years, “the scientific and public health landscape surrounding glyphosate has changed significantly,” with several countries seeking to ban or restrict the use of glyphosate due to suspicions that it is linked to cancer, liver disease and environmental damage. Meanwhile, France and Germany have introduced usage restrictions and are planning broader phase-outs.
There are also several class-action lawsuits related to glyphosate exposure across Canada, she said.
“These developments underscore the need for communities to act with caution, transparency and updated scientific guidance,” she said.
The city has retained the services of a licensed pest controller who will operate under a permit issued by the Department of Environment, Conservation and Parks to use a pesticide for the chemical known as habitat – the active ingredient is imazapyr.
“This permit sets strict conditions for when, where and how herbicide treatment can occur near bodies of water,” Nyenhuis said.