Black River–Matheson council asks governments to reconsider aerial herbicide spraying

Council for the Township of Black River–Matheson unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-294 at its Sept. 9, 2025 regular meeting, urging the federal and provincial governments to reconsider the application of aerial herbicide spraying, according to a public notice from the Office of the Clerk dated Sept. 26, 2025.

According to the notice, the resolution also asks the Province of Ontario to prioritize research into alternatives to herbicides and sustainable methods for managing invasive species. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and other relevant stakeholders. The document provides no details on chemicals, application areas, or timelines.

The notice identifies Councillor Scott McCutcheon as the mover of the motion and Councillor Bree Allen as the seconder. The resolution text states the township “urges the Federal and Provincial Governments to reconsider the application of aerial herbicide spraying,” and requests the province to “prioritize research into alternatives to the use of herbicides, and furthering sustainable methods for managing invasive species.”

The document is titled “Public Notice — Council Resolution,” dated Sept. 26, 2025, and is signed by Clerk Hong Ji Lei. It appears on the township’s website under Public Notices.

The notice does not include discussion notes from the Sept. 9 meeting. It also does not outline next steps beyond forwarding the resolution to the named ministries and other stakeholders.