Help shape the Town’s first-ever Invasive Species Management Plan and how Oakville responds to risks

The Town of Oakville is inviting residents and community partners to help shape its first-ever Invasive Species Management Plan (ISMP). Launching at the start of Invasive Species Awareness Week (February 23 to March 1), a questionnaire will be open to the public until March 27.

Invasive species are plants, animals, or insects that are not native to the local area. They can spread quickly, overtake native species, and harm the health of local trees, gardens, parks, and waterways. For example, the Emerald Ash Borer, Spongy Moth, and Asian Long-horned Beetle, are identified invasive species in southern Ontario. They have caused major damage in numerous municipalities and have required a strong response to manage their impact, including in Oakville.   

The ISMP will guide how the Town prevents, manages, and responds to invasive species that pose risks to local plants, wildlife, and natural spaces. In addition, the plan will help the Town’s Parks and Open Space staff focus on the most serious invasive species in Oakville and plan for future risks by:

• Providing clear direction for managing invasive species across Oakville;
• Identifying and ranking the highest-risk invasive plants, insects and diseases;
• Estimating future costs related to invasive species management; and
• Recommending actions and implementation approaches so the Town is prepared and equipped to respond.

Public feedback will help inform the ISMP that is expected to be presented to Town Council in 2027.

To take the questionnaire and for more information on the Town’s current response to identified invasive species, please visit the Tree Diseases, Pests and Invasive Plants page.

Background 

• The Town’s 2020 Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan identified a need to develop an ISMP to help mitigate the effects of current and future invasive species on Oakville’s native biodiversity and its impacts on the quality of the Town’s natural and recreational areas. The six strategic priorities identified in the plan include: forest protection; tree planting; forest health and resilience; risk management; communications and outreach; and adaptive management.
• Town staff held a workshop in January 2026 with members of Conservation Halton, Credit Valley Conservation, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, Oakvillegreen, and the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources to gain additional feedback from industry experts and impacted community organizations to help further inform Oakville’s ISMP. An additional workshop with these community partners is expected to be held as the ISMP takes shape and for additional feedback.