Two letters about pesticides from constituents in Ward 6:
I am writing to you to voice my concerns about the proposed pesticide by-law in Guelph.
My concerns are two-fold:
Although many other municipalities have implemented or have attempted to implement such by-laws, it doesn’t mean that we need to as well. Pesticides is a hot issue in today’s socieety; however, It is highly inappropriate that the municipalities should ban the use of products that are highly regulated and screened by highly trained scientists within Health Canada – Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Only pesticide products that are determined to not pose an unacceptable risk to humans and the environment are approved for use under the Pest Control Products Act. The label on pesticide products provides information on how to handle the product safely to further minimize any risks. When used correctly, all pesticides can be used safely with minimal risk to humans, animals and the environment. If municipalities feel this strongly than then should direct their concerns to Health Canada. We have neither the resources or expertise to make such an emotionally charged decision. This is where the efforts of the municipalities can have the greatest impact.As a Guelph resident I take pride in my home and my property. We choose to use pesticides when required and according to label to control an infestation. We also use practises that prevent certain infestations and in fact because we keep our lawn healthy and strong, we typically hand-pull weeds to keep them at bay, once a week. We avoid watering at night (which causes disease and insect infestations). We rarely need to use a pesticide, but when we need it, we know we can. eg. grubs in our grass.
The City of Guelph does not have the right to implement a by-law that takes away the opportunity to use a product that is registered and deemed to be safe if used properly.
The City needs to focus their attention to the garbage situation. The current situation is appalling and unacceptable. All of our garbage, which we take time to sort, is (I believe) all going to one place. This is unacceptable. This situation needs to be a priority for the council.
There are other cities who in the last few years have implemented new programs. Toronto being one and Hamilton being another. My family lives in Hamilton and they have implemented a program that in my mind is worth investigating. They provided each resident with a green bin for their kitchen. All kitchen waste is sorted and they also have a blue bin for recycling materials. An easy-to-read brochure was distributed to all residents with the bin and an excellent communication plan was launched. I’m not sure who did the communication materials and planning for them, but it is excellent – written in such a way that it clearly outlines, why people should participate, what’s in it for them, and makes it easy for them to do by providing the bin.
Are we learning from others? It sure doesn’t seem like it. Why do we think we are leaders in this area? Because Mayor Farbridge thinks she’s the authority? She is not an authority in waste management or in pesticide governance. I’m tired of her preferences becoming a priority in this city.
We need to stop trying to reinvent the wheel and get this situation straightened out. The waste situation will only become worse with the continued development both residential and commercial in the city. Stopping or slowing down development as a solution is like stopping a leak in a dam with your finger. The city needs to begin to mandate improved recycling programs from the University and other commercial businesses.
If Guelph wants to become a leader, they need to seek leadership from others and they need to focus on the really critical issues that are within their mandate and control. Leave the pesticide issue to the Federal regulatory bodies. LV
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I have been reading in disbelief that the pesticide issue is back in front of council.First I would like to say that I am in full support of restrictions of the use of pesticides. I believe that they should only be applied by those who are trained in IPM. I would support a ban in the sale of the products to the untrained home owner. I have been using the same lawn care company since 1996. We move here in the fall of 95. The individual we have used all these years has been very professional and sensitive to the environment.
It seems like every couple of years we have an infestation of chinch bugs in this city. There was a severe one about 5 or 6 years ago and my lawn was one of the few that were untouched. If my lawn care company can no longer provide this service for me I will be forced to re-seed or re-sod like everyone else next time.
When we first moved to this city we were impressed with the beauty of it and its parks. However at that time we were in competition for the cities in bloom title. When we would get company from out of town we were proud to show them around town. Now we go elsewhere. This brings me to a thought I have had for quite a while. Why is it that we as a city are so “green” yet it seems that most of our citizens cannot drive with empty coffee cups or food bags in their cars? It seems that they throw them out of their vehicles as soon as the contents are gone. This has become one of the dirtiest towns in Ontario. Our council always seems to think that we are so much better that other cities but I would rather take guests to Toronto.
Sorry I got off track. Back to pesticides, the decision to bring it up in the first place was based on a report issued by Ontario doctors. These doctors did no testing or any other scientific studies other than reading reports done by others. The government tests all pesticides and supplies strict instructions on how they should be applied and when followed are safe. This is why I favor IPM. And these doctors it appears did not take into account any of the literature supplied by our own government agency.
I believe that one of the studies they quoted from that was done at Berkley. However, the Berkley study only found that chemicals applied indoors were the problem. Let’s ban indoor use of chemicals.
One last thing, what about people who suffer from asthma or other such conditions. With the increase in noxious weeds we are definitely not going to make their life any better unless they increase their chemical intake in the form of medications.
I know, lets ban medications.
I know that is a ridiculous statement but my point is there is always at least two sides to every issue and balance is always the best solution. Every side of this issue needs to be heard. There is still room for debate. OC