The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has taken action to limit the spread of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) by issuing a ministerial order to prohibit the movement of firewood of all tree species, and ash tree products such as nursery stock, logs, branches, and wood chips into or outside the Region of Halton.
The Emerald Ash Borer is a metallic green-coloured beetle. It has killed millions of ash trees in the northern United States and Canada since it was discovered near Detroit in 2002. Its presence in Oakville was first confirmed in July 2008 in the vicinity of the Eighth Line and Falgarwood. Residents who move any of the above materials into or out of the Region without prior permission from the CFIA could face fines and/or prosecution. The regulations extend to vehicles used to carry restricted wood materials.
For more information view the May 1, 2009, news release or download our EAB Questions and Answers document (pdf, 50 kB).
The Town will continue to work with the CFIA, and will advise residents when movement of wood outside the Region of Halton can resume. Residents can also help by being vigilant in watching for EAB and contacting the CFIA if any are spotted. The beetle can be identified by its shiny emerald appearance.
EAB was first detected in 2002 in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario after being introduced to North America from Eastern Asia. The new Ministerial Order was issued to the City of Toronto, the City of Hamilton, and the regions of Halton, Peel, York and Durham.
Additional Information on EAB
For more information visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website or call 1-866-463-6017. Browse through images of EAB.
