The cost to Thunder Bay taxpayers to fight the emerald ash borer, an insect which attacks ash trees, is considerably higher than other Ontario municipalities.
Provincial government records show while most areas pay an average of over $218,000 to fight invasive species, the majority being the emerald ash borer, Thunder Bay forks out $700,000.
However, the city notes efforts to keep the insect under control have worked.
That means there’s been no need to spend anything further to fight it, as it’s been kept at a manageable level.
An Invasive Species Strategy will be presented to city council in the fall of next year.
The city will continue to rely on resources from the existing Forestry and Horticulture budgets.
