2025 Hinton Weed Control

Weed Control in the Town of Hinton – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is herbicide being used for weed control in town?

Herbicides are an effective tool for managing invasive and noxious weeds that threaten native plants and infrastructure. The Town of Hinton has contracted Sure Shot Environmental Ltd. to help maintain clean, safe, and visually appealing green spaces, roadsides, and public areas. The primary focus of this application is control of Noxious and Prohibitive Noxious Non-Native species as identified in the Alberta Weed Control Act and to control Dandelions in turfed areas.

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2. Is herbicide safe for people and pets?

Yes. All herbicides used are registered by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and are applied by provincially certified applicators following strict safety guidelines. Application is done with care to minimize exposure, and treated areas are marked with signs to let people know when it's safe to return.  The products being used in the Town of Hinton are all classified as Non-Residual, no grazing restrictions, are not prone to leeching, and have low re-entry intervals.

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3. What types of herbicides are used?

Sure Shot uses selective herbicides specifically designed to target broadleaf weeds and invasive species while minimizing impact to grasses and native vegetation. Only products approved by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) are used.  Along the roadways corridors, ClearView (https://www.corteva.ca/en/products-and-solutions/crop-protection/clearview.html) is being used.  In the field turf areas and parks, Trillion (https://nufarm.com/ca/product/trillion-turf-herbicide/) is being used.

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4. Does herbicide have a strong smell?

Some herbicide products may have a mild or slightly chemical odor when first applied, but the smell usually dissipates quickly as the product dries. If you notice an odor, it does not indicate danger—products are applied in safe, controlled amounts. Avoiding recently treated areas until signage is removed helps ensure comfort and safety.

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5. Where and when will herbicide be applied?

Applications will occur annually in the third week of April if growing conditions allow in identified public areas such as road shoulders, parks, and municipal properties. A minimum of 48 hours of advance notice and signage will be posted in treated areas.  Below are maps of the areas identified for Treatment in 2025.​

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6. How are areas chosen for treatment?

Treatment areas are selected based on weed infestations, past problem areas, and priorities set by the Town of Hinton. Noxious and prohibited noxious weeds are targeted as per Alberta’s Weed Control Act.

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7. Will there be signs where spraying occurs?

Yes. All treated areas will be clearly marked with herbicide application signs that remain in place for at least 24 hours. These signs include the product used, the date/time of application, and contact information for any questions.  At main entrances, larger signs will be in place along with caution tape barricades.  A contact email for Sure Shot will also be posted. 

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8. What should I do if I see herbicide being applied?

We kindly ask the public to give applicators space and avoid entering marked areas until signage is removed. This ensures the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

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9. How long before I can use a treated area again?

Once the herbicide has thoroughly dried—usually within 12 hours—it is safe to re-enter the area. Signs will remain in place to let you know when it’s safe.

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10. Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?

You can reach Sure Shot Environmental’s manager by phone at 780-719-2359 or email at info@sureshotenvironmental.com - you can also use the form below.  For specific town policy questions, contact the Town of Hinton's Project Manager at hmark@hinton.ca.