City of Regina launches gopher control program

Saskatchewan, Alberta get temporary strychnine approval amid gopher issues.

The City of Regina is kicking off its 2026 Gopher Control Program this week.

The program is aiming to reduce damage caused by gopher holes in outdoor spaces across the city.

“Gophers cause damage to our parks that is expensive to repair and that can make our outdoor space less enjoyable for residents,” said Russell Eirich, director of Open Space Services in a city news release.

“This program helps to protect the green areas where residents play and relax every day.”

Regina residents can expect to see yellow warning signs posted to indicate areas where crews are working and where the gopher control treatment has occurred.

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City workers are scheduled to treat 42 locations, which will be monitored daily for several weeks following treatment.

“Residents are asked to avoid these marked locations and keep children and pets away while treatment is underway,” the city said.

“Pet owners should keep dogs leashed near these areas, as small holes and mounds can be difficult to see and may pose a safety hazard.”

City crews will use the Health Canada-approved Rozol RTU in selected rough turf areas like storm channels, roadways and railway buffer zones.

However, the poison won’t be used in athletic fields or park spaces.

“Spring is the most effective time to manage gophers as activity increases after winter,” the city said Wednesday.

“Early treatment in rough turf areas helps prevent gopher populations from spreading into maintained turf and sport fields later in the summer.”

More information can be found at Regina.ca/Pests.