The Sheridan bulletin said a common species referred to as Queen Anne’s Lace looks similar in nature but grows less than one metre. Queen Anne’s Lace does not pose a risk to the community.

Sheridan administration is asking students and employees abide by the signage to “avoid the area” during the removal process.

The Region of Peel says the invasive plant has been found in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

If you find giant hogweed in a park or other area, call the parks department at your local area municipality: City of Brampton, parks department 905-874-2906 or City of Mississauga, recreation and parks, 905-615-4100.

If you find giant hogweed on your property, remove the plant as soon as possible, the region says.

The region recommends you hire a lawn care professional to remove the plants. If you wish to remove the giant hogweed yourself, it is very important to take the following safety precautions:

• Wear protective clothing, including gloves, long sleeves, pants, eye protection, rain coat and boots;

• Avoid getting sap on your skin;

• Immediately remove any flower heads to prevent seeds from falling and dispersing;

• Sever the plant roots eight to 12 centimetres below the soil surface;

• Dispose of all plant parts in double-bagged sealed garbage bags. Label the bags with the words “giant hogweed.” Call the Region of Peel at 905-791-9499 (or 905-584-2216 in long-distance areas) to arrange for special pickup, free of charge;

The region also says do not compost the hogweed or put it in your yard waste or green bin containers;

“Giant hogweed will not be collected at the curb,” the region says.

Afterwards, wash the clothes you wore to remove the plant and return to the plant site periodically to remove any new plant growth.



