Pesticide bylaws

By Ken Pavely

IPM turf specialist



Pesticide bylaws continue to pop up around Ontario. Some cities and municipalities seem to introduce these bylaws with very little notice, while other jurisdictions take a more consultative approach. Here is a snapshot of what’s going on around the province. For more information, consult your municipality website, visit www.lawnfacts.ca or contact Ken Pavely at (416) 882-3792. 



Toronto: In effect(does not include surrounding 905 areas)

•     Prohibits control of dandelions and most other broadleaf weeds

•     Allows control of provincially designated noxious weeds

•     Allows curative control of insect infestations on lawns

•     No thresholds, guidelines for insect problems other than turf

•     OMAFRA thresholds used for turf insects

•     Homeowners allowed to treat without fines until September, 2007

•     Exemption for sports fields, cemeteries

•     Infestation means imminent or potential risk of substantial loss or damage


Peterborough: In effect

•     Total ban on pesticide use other than for human health issues, pools, water treatment, structural, agriculture, and golf course


London: In effect, September 2008

•     Similar to Toronto but with a golf exemption


Newmarket: In effect, September 2008

•     Similar to Toronto but with a golf exemption (pending)


Orangeville: In effect, January 2007

•     Allows spot treatment on turf except in July and August, where there must be an undefined infestation



•     Pre-posting for summer month infestation treatments

•     Uses a notification registry

•     Requires IPM Accreditation for lawn care and golf


Caledon: In effect

•     Similar to Orangeville, but applications for weeds and insects limited to 20 per cent of landscape in any 30-day period

•     LCOs must notify town of infestation treatments (greater than 20 per cent) and post 24 hours in advance with town sign and provincial sign

•     LCOs and golf must be IPM accredited

•     Wind and temperature restrictions

•     July and August ban unless there is a weed or insect infestation.


Cobourg: In effect

•     Similar to Caledon, but no weed treatments allowed for weed infestations above 20 per cent

•     No broadcast treatments for non-selective herbicides

•     Must supply town with record of all pesticide treatments

•     Does allow for infestation treatments for insects

•     Requires IPM Accreditation for golf and lawn care



Windsor: In effect

•     Similar to Caledon, but with a full ban in 2009



Thorold: In effect

•     Similar to Toronto

•     $25 permit for applications to treat infestation

•     Golf course exemption



Perth: In effect

•     Similar to Toronto



North Bay: In effect

•     Can treat for an infestation

•     Must notify city within 24 hours


Region of Waterloo: In effect, January 2007

•     Can treat for an infestation

•     Must prepost


Georgina: Scope of bylaw and enactment to be determined.


Port Perry: In effect

•     Requires IPM Accreditation for golf and lawn care

•     Pay a licence fee based on size of operation

•     Notification of abutting property if requested



Other small centres with bylaws include Cobalt, Archipelago, Georgian Bay.

SHARE