The Province of Alberta recently announced approval for the emergency use of strychnine for gopher control for select areas in the province. At the time of this release, the Municipal District of Bonnyville did not fall within the approved areas (please see attached map).

The announcement and subsequent program details were given during a Town Hall with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation April 2, 2026. During the meeting, it was explained that in order to secure emergency use approval, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) required the province to reduce the geographic area where strychnine use would be permitted. As a municipality located on the fringe of the boreal forest, the M.D., along with several other municipalities in similar regions, were excluded from the approved area.

“We understand the concerns this decision causes our local producers,” said Matt Janz, General Manager of Environmental & Protective Services for the M.D. “Both Council and Agricultural Services will continue to advocate on behalf of our farming community through providing local data and information to support future inclusion in the program.”

The M.D. will post any updates to its social media and website.