Region of Waterloolooks at pesticide by-law
In response to public opinion suggesting the residents of Waterloo Region would support a reduction in the use of non-essential pesticides, the Region of Waterloo has begun a two-pronged approach to pesticide reduction. The first initiative is an education campaign that encourages everyone to reduce the amount of pesticides they use. The second initiative is a draft proposed by-law that may control where and when pesticides can be used. A Public Open House will now be held in each area municipality, to which interested members of the public are invited to obtain information, informally discuss the draft proposed by-law, and provide comment. For more information, go to www.region.waterloo.on.ca.
Councilor calls forpesticide by-law in Ottawa – education not working
After a report was released, showing the City of Ottawa is not meeting its pesticide-reduction targets, city councilors are calling for a pesticide by-law. Since 2002, city staff has been educating residential and commercial property owners to reduce their reliance on pesticides. The reduction strategy called for the residential use of pesticides to be reduced by 70 per cent, and commercial use to be reduced 65 per cent, by 2005. If reduction targets were not met, city staff was directed to draft a pesticide by-law by the fall. Staff is asking for one more year to evaluate the success of the education program.
London waits for Toronto by-law appeal
In London, city council voted to defer a debate on banning the cosmetic use of pesticides until a legal challenge against a similar by-law in Toronto is resolved (see above). Initial elements of a by-law were approved, including the continuation of a public education program and the mandatory registration of all lawn care companies with the city. In addition, exemptions were agreed upon for the use of fungicides on large playing fields and golf courses, as well as pesticides to protect hard surfaces, such as roads and sidewalks. While the majority of council voted to avoid a debate on a ban until the Ontario Court of Appeal rules on the challenge to the Toronto by-law, a recommendation requiring written notice to neighbours and the city of any spraying is under review.
