City of Regina’s Gopher Control Program Begins This Week

Public spaces with holes caused by an overpopulation of gophers is not only a nuisance, but also a safety issue for people and pets. The Government of Saskatchewan has declared gophers as pests, which requires the City to control gophers on publicly owned property.  

As the City begins the Gopher Control Program in 2023, we want to ensure that residents are aware of the City’s plans and where the work is taking place. Twenty-three areas have initially been identified for pest control throughout the city and will be marked with signs. Staff will visit sites daily for several weeks following the pest control application to clean up and ensure continued safety. Signs will actively be maintained for several weeks and only removed once staff are satisfied that the site is clear of product and gophers.

The City of Regina is committed to responsibly controlling pests, and keeping residents updated on this work. For more information on the integrated pest management strategy and an updated list of treated areas, visit Regina.ca/pests.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions and avoid areas where the City will be applying product, particularly with children and pets. We urge the public to keep their dogs on a leash or avoid these posted areas entirely.

Spring is the best time for application as the gophers emerge from their burrows in search of food. The program will start this week and continue for the next several weeks.

‘Rozol RTU’ is approved for use by Health Canada for the control of gophers in rough turf areas. Its application will be limited to ‘buffer zones’ or rough turf areas throughout the city along storm channels and roadway and railway buffers. It will not be applied to the City’s athletic fields and traditional park spaces.