Invasive Species in Brampton
The City of Brampton is dedicated to protecting its urban forests and Natural Heritage System through the identification and management of harmful invasive species. To do this the City works closely with its conservation authority partners and the local community.
What are Invasives Species?
Invasive species refers to non-native plants or animals including pests that are introduced into a new ecosystem, often by human activities, which can rapidly spread and negatively impact the native species and their habitat. Invasive species can:
- outcompete native species for resources like food and shelter
- disrupt ecological balance through displacement and loss of native species and natural services such as water regulation, nutrient cycling and pollination
- cause economic and environmental harm
Why do Invasive Species Matter?
Invasive species pose a significant challenge to Brampton's natural environment, including the amazing diversity of plant and animal species that makes our gardens, parks, forests, wetlands, and green spaces great and beautiful. It is important to understand how and why invasive speices spread so we can actively manage these species and protect Brampton's natural areas and benefits they provide us.
To learn more about Invasive Species in Brampton and how you can help, see pages 10-11 in our new
NHS Guide!
Brampton's Invasive Species Management Strategy
The City of Brampton is developing its first Invasive Species Management Strategy to have a comprehensive framework and set of actions that drive our work. This strategy will seek to understand the impacts of invasive species including environmental and economic costs while considering how climate change will increase their spread. It will be built in collaboration with residents, community groups and stakeholders to ensure that beloved natural spaces and urban forests are protected.
Coming Soon: Have your say | Community Survey #1
Help shape the City’s first Invasive Species
Management Strategy! Residents, community groups, and organizations are invited
to provide your input about priorities, challenges, and ideas for managing invasive species in Brampton.
Take the 5-minute survey between April 30 and August 30, 2025 for a chance to win one of 10 gift cards, including: Presto Cards ($20 value), TRCA/CVC Family Passes ($135 value) and Ontario Parks Passes ($50 value).
Survey link will be available April 30, 2025 – check back then to participate.
We thank you for your time. Your input will help create a healthier, more sustainable city for everyone.
Current City of Brampton Initiatives:
How Can You Help?
There are simple actions we can take at home and in our community to make a big difference and reduce the spread of invasive species.
Garden with Native Plants
Support local ecosystems by choosing native plants in your gardens, yard and landscaping. They boost biodiversity, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and require less water and maintenance than non-native species.
- Avoid invasive species in your gardens, yard and landscaping
- Plant native trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses and sedges
- Find the right native plants for you. Explore these helpful native plant guides by Ontario Invasive Plant Council, Toronto and Region Conservation and Credit Valley Conservation:
Stop the Spread of Invasive Species
Prevent invasive species from taking over by following these simple actions:
- Remove invasive plants early from your gardens, yard and landscaping —before they seed or spread
- Dispose of invasive plants in the garbage (not yard waste)
- Learn to identify invasive species, utilize apps like Seek by iNaturalist for species identification
- Never release pets (like goldfish) into natural areas
- Avoid bringing and planting species from other regions
- Don't dump yard waste in parks or natural areas—use Peel Region's green bin and yard waste collection
- Stay on trails, leash your pets, and clean off plant material after hiking or walking in natural areas
- Don't move wood, logs, or brush between locations—it spreads pests and disease
Report sightings of invasive species to the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or through eddmaps.org
