Often overlooked and much maligned, weeds are commonly written off as well, weeds.

But for Katrena Pelchat, the unsightly and sometimes noxious forms of plant life are at the center of her new job description.

"As a weed inspector, I would respond to complaints about noxious weeds, like Thistles, Giant Hogweed and invasive species like that," explained Pelchat, a by-law enforcement officer.

You heard that correctly - Pelchat is the city's newest 'weed inspector’.

It's municipal position required by the province.

"It's long established and municipalities are required under the act to appoint weed inspectors," said Steph Palmateer, Timmins city clerk.

"Our most recent appointment is the third inspector that we have now in the city of Timmins."

The inspector position is only one among many obscure by-law appointments.

Others include; livestock valuer and fence inspector.

Pelchat said calls for service are rare.

"I mean, with Giant Hogweed we'll get calls like that because people are aware of the problematic nature of that weed, but I don't people are aware of some of the other weeds can be problematic," she said.

Purple loosestrife, thistles - the list of possible offenders is long, but pelchat said she's well prepared to round them up.

"I would go out and inspect the weeds, confirm that they are indeed on the noxious list and then I would put an order together for the private property owner to remove the weeds," Pelchat explained.

Now, the key word in all of this is noxious.

The city will only send out inspectors for serious cases, so if you've grown tired of your neighbours dandelion problem, you're on your own.

Feel free to build a fence and have the city inspect it.