Phragmites in Newmarket
Newmarket treats Phragmites (invasive species) in specific areas around Town. Learn more about this project, and Phragmites below.
Photo courtesy of Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group
Why is the Town spraying for Phragmites?
The Town will be spraying for Phragmites (an invasive species) as they are one of Canada's most aggressive invasive plants. Phragmites, also referred to as the European common reed, spreads quickly and forms thick stands that crowd out native plants, disrupt wildlife habitats and negatively affect biodiversity. Phragmites also increases fire hazards, and can outcompete native species for water and nutrients.
This invasive species interferes with wetlands, diminishes wildlife habitats, and blocks drainage in agricultural areas, causing substantial ecological and economic impacts.
For more information, view the Phragmites Fact Sheet.
What Areas that will be sprayed for Phragmites in Newmarket this season?
In 2026, the Town will be treating the following areas:
- Stuffles Cres/ Sherman Brock Cir
- Tom Taylor Trail South of Mulock Drive
- Steven Crt
- Fernbank Road and Mulock Drive
- Lions Park
- Armstrong Park
- Fairy Lake (Parking Lot)
- Mcbride Crescent (near the ponds)
- Labyrinth Park
- Kent Street (Ditch)
In the past, the Town has treated the following areas
Audrey Sanderson (Northwest of the parking lot)
Shadrach Drive
Behind Wildrush Place
Fernbank Road and Mulock Drive
Harry Walker Parkway and Mulock Drive
Mulock Drive (behind Firth Court)
Main Street North (East Side Ditch)
Main Street North (West Side Ditch)
Fairy Lake (Andrew Street)
Cane Parkway (North of Pond)
Cane Parkway (West of Pond)
Cane Parkway (East of Pond)
Kent Street (Ditch)
Behind Oaktree Crescent (South Pond)
Pond behind McBride Crescent (North of North Pond)
Pond behind McBride Crescent (Between ponds)
Behind William Dunn Crescent
Labyrinth Park
How is this work being funded?
The Province of Ontario is investing $16 million over three years to help protect the economy and environment from invasive species. This grant will help municipalities, such as the Town of Newmarket, conservation authorities and Indigenous communities in their efforts to prevent invasive species from becoming established or spreading across the province.
The Invasive Species Centre and the Nature Conservancy of Canada will oversee the funding to implement a comprehensive, province-wide strategy against the invasive plant Phragmites. Additionally, the Invasive Species Action Fund will use the grants to support municipalities, conservation authorities, and Indigenous communities in managing other harmful invasive species.
How to identify Invasive Phragmites:
• Grows in stands that can be extremely dense with as many as 200 stems per square metre;
• Can grow so densely that it crowds out other species;
• Can reach heights of up to 5 metres (15 feet), and
• Has stems that are tan or beige in colour with blue-green leaves and large, dense seedheads
What can I do to help?
Learn how to identify invasive phragmites and how to avoid accidentally spreading it through its roots and seeds.
Do not plant invasive Phragmites. Native Phragmites have the same appearance and do not pose an ecological risk.
Stay on designated trails. Leaving trails or entering areas containing invasive Phragmites can encourage the spread of this plant. When leaving an area containing invasive Phragmites, brush off clothing and clean equipment onsite to avoid the transfer of seeds to new areas. Remove all visible portions of plants and dispose of them in the garbage.
Do not compost invasive Phragmites. Both seeds and rhizomes (horizontal plant stems growing underground) can survive and grow in compost.
Questions:
If you have any questions or concerns, please email parks@newmarket.ca
