Nanaimo Considers Ban on Invasive Plant Sales to Protect Environment

The City of Nanaimo is debating whether to ban the sale and distribution of invasive plant species, including some popular household garden varieties, in a bid to curb their spread and protect the local ecosystem.

On Monday, city council will review a staff report recommending a bylaw that targets plants listed by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. (ISCBC) — including English ivy, baby’s breath, foxglove, and others commonly sold in B.C. nurseries.

“Over 60 per cent of our invasive plants are actually intentionally planted,” said Gail Wallin, executive director of ISCBC.

“So great work, great step forward,” she said, referring to the proposal.

The report notes that invasive species can damage biodiversity, infrastructure, and even water systems. Once established, these plants can outcompete native species, fuel wildfires, and disrupt natural habitats due to a lack of natural predators.

A Legislative Gap

Although B.C. has laws like the Weed Control Act, the report argues these are outdated and poorly enforced. A provincial review of invasive species regulations is underway, but municipal bylaws remain one of the most proactive tools for controlling their spread.

Squamish and Oak Bay have already passed similar bans, and Nanaimo could be next.

“There is a need for stronger provincial regulation,” Wallin said.

Nurseries Face Pressure — and Questions

Walter Pinnow, operations coordinator at Green Thumb Nursery in Nanaimo, says his team doesn’t sell invasive species — but many customers still ask for them.

“We just had a customer asking for foxglove the other day,” Pinnow said.
“People often don’t realize these beautiful roadside flowers can be highly invasive.”

He supports the idea of a bylaw but raises concerns about enforcement and clarity.

“Who’s going to implement it? Will it be self-policed by nurseries?”

He also urged the city to use Latin names for banned plants in the bylaw, to avoid confusion. For example, “ivy” may refer to many different species — not all of which are invasive.

If passed, Nanaimo’s bylaw would aim to cut off one of the main ways invasive species spread: intentional planting in local gardens.