I have learned that in early August 2010, pesticides were sprayed on the Guelph Junction Railway (GJR) land.
I did NOT see any notification that pesticides were applied. Notification is required by law.
For decades, the families in this community regularly use the tracks and the well worn trail beside the tracks for commuting, walking, biking, picking berries, and walking dogs.
Many homes in the area and the Speed River are very close to the GJR.
I recognize that GJR must meet safety standards outlined by Transport Canada.
There are alternatives to pesticide use. I want the GJR, with public consultation, to ban pesticide use and pursue other methods of vegetation control.
I feel that my health is put at risk though the use and misuse of pesticides along the railway. LC~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two points emerge, should spraying occur and if so how is it undertaken.
She is correct in that a narrow strip along the tie area was sprayed with round up in early August. This was undertaken as a risk mitigation response regarding the potential of grass fires ignited by a spark from steel wheels. As you likely will recall we had previously been cutting weeds by hand. This action was leaving a lot of dead material which was becoming a fire hazard. This hazard was reaffirmed not only by our own large grass fire earlier this year but other numerous grass fires occurring along nearby railway tracks. Consolation with the City fire prevention officer confirmed that hand cutting was creating tinder material increasing the risk and that elimination of vegetation was the most effective way to reduce the fire threat. Consequently a decision was made by management to spray the bare minimal area of 10 feet in the middle of our typical 66 foot wide right of way. The GJR had Ontario Southland Railway [who provides some basic maintaince under a service contract ] bring in a speciality company whose business is spraying railway tracks. This company undertook the work. The only other alternative would be is to remove the tracks, excavate the entire area and replace with virgin material. This however is quite expensive and after a few years of weed seeds blowing around would reseed itself.
The railway property is not a public area, is posted as “no trespassing” and has in this area additional “construction area closed signs” in place[ trail construction ] Pesticide signs had been installed at the time of spraying. Additionally we have a railway flag person on site during the weekday who has been reminding trespassers that the area is closed to the public. In most cases adjacent residential properties have a fence or hedge separating them from the railway. I believe that we undertook this action in a proper and reasonable manner for the right reasons with the minimum impact to the environment. I do understand the concerns of people who came in direct contact, but I must emphasise that this exposure came as a result of openly trespassing and one that they must accept some responsibility for.
I have had a conversation with the Ministry following a complaint sent to them. No further action, changes, or orders came from this conversation.