2026 Birchcliff Gravel Pathways
Herbicide Application

Birchcliff Gravel Pathway Weed Control Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is herbicide being used on the gravel pathways?

The Summer Village of Birchcliff is treating the gravel pathways to improve their appearance, reduce ongoing maintenance, and provide a safer, more enjoyable walking surface.

Over time, weeds have established throughout the pathway gravel and along the pathway edges. Left untreated, they continue to spread, create trip hazards, and require increasing amounts of manual maintenance.

The goal of this application is to control existing weeds while preserving the surrounding natural landscape.

2. What herbicides are being used?

The application consists of:

• Glyphosate (Roundup) – controls existing grasses and weeds growing within the gravel pathway.

• 2,4-D Amine 600 – targets broadleaf weeds and improves overall weed control.

These products are registered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and are applied only by provincially certified applicators following all label requirements and Alberta regulations.

3. Will this damage the trees along the pathways?

No.

The application is specifically designed to control weeds growing within the gravel pathway—not the surrounding trees or natural vegetation.

We intentionally selected 2,4-D Amine because it does not have the long-lasting soil residual activity associated with some other herbicides. This makes it a good choice around established trees and natural areas.

Our applicators use equipment designed to minimize drift, and applications are only completed under suitable weather conditions.

4. Is the application safe for the lake and nearby watercourses?

Yes.

Protecting Gull Lake and surrounding waterways is one of the highest priorities with this project.

Our crews follow strict environmental protection procedures, including:

• No herbicide application within regulated 30m buffer zones around open water.

• Watercourses and environmentally sensitive areas are identified before spraying begins.

• Standing water is treated as a sensitive area and avoided.

• Applications are only completed under suitable weather conditions to minimize drift.

If conditions become too wet, the application will simply be postponed until conditions improve.

5. Will herbicide remain in the soil?

No.

The products used for this project are non-residual, meaning they control vegetation that is actively growing at the time of application but do not continue preventing new plants from emerging later in the season.

This makes them appropriate for maintaining gravel pathways while minimizing long-term impacts to surrounding vegetation.

6. Is herbicide safe for people and pets?

Yes.

Once the herbicide has completely dried, treated areas are safe to use.

As a precaution, pathways will be temporarily closed for approximately 24 hours following application. This allows the product to dry completely while ensuring the best possible weed control results.

7. When will the work take place?

The application will be scheduled during suitable weather conditions, targeting a date of July 7th or 8th (Tuesday or Wednesday) to minimize impacts to residents and visitors.

Residents will receive advance notice before work begins.

8. How will residents be notified?

Residents will receive multiple forms of notification, including:

• Community email notification before the application.

• Information posted on the Summer Village website.

• Herbicide application signs installed a minimum of 48 hours before work begins.

• QR codes on signage linking directly to this project information page.

This provides residents with advance notice, project details, product information, and contact information should they have any questions.

9. Will the pathways be closed?

Yes.

The pathways will be temporarily closed for approximately 24 hours following application.

Signs and caution tape will be installed at pathway entrances until the recommended re-entry period has passed.

10. What should I do if I see crews applying herbicide?

Please give our crews space to work safely and avoid entering any pathway that has been closed for treatment.

This protects both the public and ensures the herbicide can dry properly for maximum effectiveness.

11. What environmental measures are taken during the application?

Environmental stewardship is a key part of every Sure Shot project.

Our crews:

• Use only Health Canada registered herbicides.

• Are provincially certified applicators.

• Follow all Alberta pesticide regulations.

• Monitor wind and weather conditions throughout the day.

• Pre-Identify and maintain buffers around watercourses and environmentally sensitive areas.

• Use calibrated equipment to apply only the amount of product required.

• Stop work immediately if environmental conditions become unsuitable.

12. Who do I contact if I have questions?

For questions regarding the herbicide application, please contact:

Sure Shot Environmental Ltd.

Phone: 780-719-2359

Email: info@sureshotenvironmental.com

For questions regarding the pathway maintenance program, please contact the Summer Village of Birchcliff.