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Each year, CN is required to manage vegetation on its right-of-way. Managing this vegetation contributes to mitigating fire risks and enhances the efficiency of inspection of track infrastructure. The spray program is not being done for aesthetic reasons.


To ensure safe railway operations, CN will conduct its annual spray program on its rail lines in the province of Ontario. A certified professional (Davey Tree Expert Company of Canada, Ltd., 1-800-465-6367) will apply herbicides on and around the railway tracks (primarily along the 24-foot graveled area/ballast). Product requirements for setbacks in the vicinity of dwellings, aquatic environments and municipal water supplies will be met.


CN may use the following herbicides and active ingredients:

  • Arsenal Powerline (Imazapyr 26.7%, BASF),
  • Aspect (Picloram 97.5g/L, 2,4-D 360g/L, Corteva)
  • Clearview (Aminopyralid 52.5%, Metsulfuron-methyl 9.45%, Corteva)
  • Credit Xtreme (Glyphosate 540g/L, Nufarm)
  • Detail (Saflufenacil 342g/L, BASF)
  • Esplanade (Indaziflam 200g/L Envu)
  • Garlon RTU (Triclopyr 144g/L, Corteva)
  • Garlon XRT (Triclopyr 755g/L, Corteva)
  • Gateway adjuvant (Paraffinic Oil 586g/L, Alkoxylated alcohol 242g/L, Corteva)
  • Hasten NT adjuvant (Methyl & ethyl oleate 75.2%, Norac)
  • Milestone NXT (Aminopyralid 60%, Florpyrauxifen 4.77%, Corteva)
  • Navius Flex (Metsulfuron-methyl 12.6%, Aminocyclopyrachlor 39.5%, Envu)
  • Overdrive (Diflufenzopyr 205, Dicamba 50%, BASF)
  • Roundup WeatherPro (Glyphosate 540g/L, Bayer)
  • Telar XP (Chlorsulfuron 75%, Envu)
  • Torpedo EZ (Flumioxazin 160g/L, Pyroxasulfone 203g/L, Valent)
  • Vision Max (Glyphosate 540g/L, Bayer)

CN only uses herbicides that have been approved for use in Canada and in the province within which they are applied. The program is expected to take place from April to October 2025.


Visit www.cn.ca/vegetation for more information or to make an inquiry, contact the CN Public Inquiry Line at contact@cn.ca or 1-888-888-5909.