The case for pesticide use.

A draft pesticide bylaw was recently rejected by the Community Development and Environmental Services Committee of Council. The draft bylaw would have limited the application of pesticides in certain conditions such as if it is too windy or too hot outside. Staff were directed to return to committee with a proposal that would effectively ban the cosmetic use of pesticides within city limits.

Arguments are now being made to Councillors to support the continued use of pesticides.

“If I as a homeowner wish to control weeds in my turf areas with a
product approved by the Federal government, please tell me what
conscionable right you have to tell me otherwise ?”

Also included with this correspondence were links to sites advocating the safe use of pesticides:

http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/

http://www.healthylawns.net/

http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/consum/2,4-D-e.html

http://www.healthylawns.net/english/municipalities/municipalities-e.html

Apparently, municipalities do have the right to ban the use of pesticides as determined by the Supreme Court of Canada: http://city.ottawa.on.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/hrssc/2001/08-02/ACS2001-CRS-LEG-0020.htm.