The recommendations by the staff of the City of Guelph regarding the proposed pesticide by-law completely counter the initial intent – to protect the public from these dangerous substances. The threshold levels proposed that open the way for the resumption of spraying instead of the cessation of spraying seem to suggest that what is really intended is that Guelph not have a pesticide by-law. Even the recommendation that natural areas and passive parklands could be sprayed to protect public and worker safety underscore this. This smacks of influence by chemical manufacturers and lawn care companies whose primary way to deal with lawn pests is through the use of chemical sprays.
The harmful effects of pesticide use are well documented and for staff to offer this latest information as their recommendation is reckless and unethical. To propose the continuing use of substances that are known to cause harmful and even fatal effects to humans and other living beings is just plain wrong.
This hysteria over weeds and insects is evidence of how disconnected we are to our place in the natural world. For the sake of the present and future generations of Guelph, don’t gut this by-law with these inane and negating recommendations. Protect the pubic by ensuring that pesticide use is a practice of the past, understood for its damaging effects on living beings. Put Guelph back on the progressive road to a healthy future by ensuring that this by-law is enacted as it was originally intended. PM