The Canadian Cancer Society congratulates the City of Guelph for passing a
by-law to ban the use of cosmetic pesticides and protect residents’ health
and the environment. Guelph has now joined over 127 municipalities across
Canada that have adopted ornamental pesticide by-laws.
Since the cosmetic use of pesticides has no countervailing health benefit
and has the potential to cause harm, the Society supports banning the use of
pesticides on lawns and gardens, especially when safer alternatives exist.
The Society is concerned about the effects of using potentially cancer-causing
substances to enhance the appearance of gardens, lawns, parks and
recreational facilities. We base this concern on the International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC), which state that some substances used in
pesticides are classified as known, probable or possible carcinogens.
The Canadian Cancer Society encourages the City of Guelph to further
protect the health of its residents by avoiding the “infestation clause” of the
proposed by-law.
The “infestation clause” was a major point of debate for Toronto council,
prompting a full year of discussions over what exactly constitutes an
infestation. Guelph can save itself this needless aggravation simply by
avoiding the clause in the first place.
Our view is that the infestation clause is not needed because the Guelph bylaw
already has an exemption any time pests are “harmful to human health”
(3:i). In other words, if homeowners have rats, mice, termites, poison ivy,
cockroaches – or any other health threat from a plant or animal – they can
use a pesticide.
By removing the infestation clause, the City of Guelph will eliminate possible
abuse of the by-law and make it easy for inspectors to enforce, as currently,
with the infestation clause, it will literally require inspectors to get on their
knees and count dandelions. Not removing the clause could also destroy the
entire intention of the Guelph by-law, which is to allow pesticide use only
where it’s necessary to protect public health.
It is worth noting that the City of Peterborough – which passed a model
pesticide by-law in 2005 – has no infestation clause and its bylaw has worked
very well. It’s simple for residents to understand and easy to enforce.
In addition, the Society encourages the City of Guelph to eliminate the
exemption pertaining to food production for personal consumption, as there
is no way of limiting the amount of pesticide used on privately grown food,
unlike commercial food production, where growers are required to adhere to
stringent spraying standards. This exemption also counteracts the purpose of
your pesticide by-law, which ultimately, is to protect human health.
The implementation of a strong by-law will allow Guelph to join neighbouring
municipalities as a leader in health promotion and environmental protection.
Sincerely,Canadian Cancer Society Wellington County Unit Manager
214 Speedvale Ave. W., Suite 4A
Guelph, ON