The City of Winnipeg has launched its 2026 ground squirrel management program targeting several parks across the city to address ongoing damage to greenspaces and athletic fields.
Ground squirrels are a common issue in Winnipeg, with their burrowing causing significant wear to fields and creating potential safety hazards for park users.
The province has approved the use of two rodenticides for the program: Rozol RTU Field Rodent Bait, an anticoagulant pesticide, and RoCon Concentrate Rodenticide, a biodegradable foam asphyxiant derived from the white mustard plant.
Treatments will be applied at nine locations: Beryl Watts Park/Vince Leah Community Centre, Charleswood Place, Fairgrove Bay Park, Shaughnessy Park, St. James Memorial Sports Park, Theodore Niizhotay Fontaine Park, Weston Memorial Community Centre, Woodsworth Park, and Valour Community Centre’s Clifton site.
City officials say some of these fields have been closed in recent years due to extensive ground squirrel damage.
To reduce potential impacts, crews will monitor sites daily, remove dead animals promptly, post warning signage before and after treatment, and ensure applications are carried out by licensed pesticide applicators.
This season’s program will run until October 30, 2026.
