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Ontario’s professional lawncare operators are encouraged with the general policy directions in the proposed Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Act, introduced on April 22, 2008, by Environment Minister John Gerretsen.
“The professional lawncare industry in Ontario supports the concept of a strong, province-wide pesticide law, to replace a patchwork of contradictory municipal bylaws,” said Gavin Dawson, Chair of the Landscape Ontario, Lawncare Commodity Group. “While we recognize there is more work to be done on the details of this initiative, the McGuinty government has delivered on its promise with a Bill that ensures consistent standards everywhere, which apply equally to professionals servicing our green infrastructure and the do-it-yourself market.”
In recent years, dozens of Ontario municipalities have introduced
different standards for regulating lawncare treatment. The inconsistencies in rules and interpretations have made it extraordinarily difficult for companies to operate across city boundaries and spawned public confusion within the province.
The fact that homeowners could simply purchase and apply chemicals still readily available at retail outlets meant these bans accomplished virtually nothing in terms of reducing pesticide loads, while severely impacting the ability of highly-trained, professional operators to serve their clients in the creation of healthy lawns and landscapes.
The new legislation will add impetus for bringing new environmentally-friendly products and techniques to market. “The professional lawncare industry is on the forefront, and we are more than prepared to do our part to advance green alternatives,” said Dawson. “We are calling on the provincial government to invest and partner with us to speed up the development and commercialization of the next generation of eco-safe alternatives for dealing with lawn and garden pests.”
Dawson noted that there are many important details to be worked out in
the Regulations and guidelines to follow. “We will be diligent in ensuring that the intent is reflected in the final package of rules,” he said. “We look forward to working with Minister Gerretsen to address more detailed issues in Regulation, including the defined list of active ingredients and products to be banned, sign posting standards and reasonable approaches to treat potentially damaging pest infestations, from grub outbreaks to emerald ash borer for the protection of our lawns, landscapes and a greener planet.”
“Our industry’s role and value in maintaining a green, healthy environment will only add to the success on this initiative,” Dawson
concluded.
For further information: Gavin Dawson, Chair, Landscape Ontario –
Lawncare Commodity Group, (905) 290-1844
