What is an environmental reserve?
Environmental reserves (ER) are assigned to a neighbourhood before it’s even developed. They are designed to:
- Support natural drainage and habitats
- Protect nearby properties from flooding
- Prevent erosion of soil and protect bodies of water from pollution
- Stay in a natural state
Where are Regina’s natural areas?
We have natural areas in a number of locations around Regina:
- Harbour Landing
- Westhill Meadows
- A.E. Wilson Park
- Wascana View
- Along the Pilot Butte Creek
- Along Wascana Creek Dyke
- Regent Par 3 Redevelopment Site
How does the City follow best practices for maintaining natural areas?
- Mowing the entire space annually in late summer allows grass to mature and seed itself, filling in the space which results in a better grass and minimizes weeds like Canadian Thistle and Foxtail
- Annual mowing near properties for easy residential access
- Spot-treating weeds with herbicide
- Mowing along pathways to allow on-leash dogs and their owners access to shorter grass on the side of the pathway, making it easier for owners to collect pet waste. This also minimizes risk of insects or pests transitioning from longer grass onto passers-by.
View some common questions and answers about our natural areas.
How are grassland areas in the City of Regina maintained?
Grassland spaces are designed for minimal maintenance. Each space is typically mowed once a year in August after grass has gone to seed. The City of Regina monitors space to respond to issues that may crop up from time-to-time and may require an adjusted maintenance schedule.
What kind of herbicide will be used to treat weeds in the natural areas?
Trillion Turf. As with all pesticides the product is safe provided with follow label directions as approved by Health Canada. Beyond the label, the City posts herbicide spray activities on the pesticide advisory line (306-777-7777). The areas to be treated will be posted 24 hours prior to spraying – and – the signage will remain up for 24 hours following treatment.
What is Canadian Thistle?
Canadian Thistle is an invasive root-creeping perennial weed that has white or purple flowers and long narrow, crinkled leaves with spiny edges. It is managed through herbicide application and mowing to prevent seed spread.
What is Foxtail Barley?
Foxtail Barley is an invasive grassy weed that usually shows up in summer. Before these weeds sprout their foxy seed heads, they can be difficult to spot, as the leaves look similar to the rest of the grass in your lawn. Foxtail Barley weed is controlled through managed mowing.
What does the City do to prevent mosquitos?
The City of Regina applies a biological agent to areas of standing water to prevent mosquitos.
The long grass is a breeding ground for ticks and other pests, how is the City managing this?
The City is utilizing a mowed strip on either side of the asphalt and crusher pathways to minimize the risk of ticks and other pests transferring onto passers-by.
What does the City do to manage rabbits?
Rabbits are part of the Regina ecosystem and their populations ebb and flow. We have seen an increase of rabbits and rabbit damage in the past several years. Currently there isn’t a program to manage rabbit populations. To help overcome this, part of the plan within this space is to allow for the woodland to renaturalize and self-propagate. This will further fill in and replace trees that have died or been damaged by rabbits.
Are commercial sites required to maintain their property?
Yes. The City continues to work with businesses in the community, as well as the Regina Region Homebuilders Association (RRHBA) and Realtor Association to share educational materials that outline best practices on landscaping maintenance for homeowners and local businesses.
What can be done about vacant lot maintenance?
The City works with the owners of vacant lots to combat overgrown vegetation regardless of whether weeds or grass is present. If you have concerns about a vacant property, contact the City of Regina at 306-777-7000 with the specific lot detail.
Are the pipeline companies responsible for maintaining the easements?
The City of Regina mows all pipeline easements in Harbour Landing. Pipeline companies occasionally perform routine maintenance on their infrastructure and re-seed after completion.
Why am I required to maintain my property, yet the City is allowed to let the grass grow?
The City manages its open space using a variety of methods. Spaces like these natural areas were originally designed to mimic a natural ecosystem, providing plants to help filter the water to improve water quality before reaching the South Storm Channel. The natural area also provides important habitat for native birds and animals.
Are homeowners required to landscape their property?
Homes completed prior to January 2019 are required to ensure that their properties are well maintained and do not allow weeds or soil to spread onto neighbouring properties. Homes approved for construction after January 2019 are required to complete their front-yard landscaping in a way that prevents weeds and erosion. New homes must have front and side yards developed within two years of receiving an occupancy permit.
If a resident reports a delinquent property, a City bylaw or development officer will visit the property and make a record of any infractions. If it is deemed to be in contravention of any City Bylaws, a notice to comply will be issued to the registered property owner. Subsequent enforcement will ensue if necessary. Additionally, information is available online at Regina.ca/yardcare, as well as on the main floor lobby of City Hall.
What can be done if residents are not maintaining their yard?
If you have concerns about a property, contact the City of Regina at 306-777-7000 with specific detail
