By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 11, 2009 6:00 PM
Pressure is growing on Vernon city hall to eliminate cosmetic use of pesticides earlier than expected. A delegation asked council Monday to ban the application of chemicals on playgrounds and schoolyards this August. “We want to protect the very young who are so vulnerable,” said Kerry Bokenfohr, with Parents for Healthy Playspaces. Council recently decided to proceed with a bylaw that would ban cosmetic pesticides on public land in 2010 and on private property in 2012. However, that timeline isn’t good enough for Bokenfohr, who is concerned that pesticides used to control weeds are creating health risks like cancer. “We are the guinea pigs in this massive uncontrolled experiment,” she said. “Spraying is occurring right around playground structures.” Joining in the presentation was Jerilynn Kiely, from the Canadian Cancer Society. “Children roll in the grass and put all kinds of things in their mouth and it makes them susceptible to exposure,” she said. Kiely told council that exposure to chemicals can increase the possibility of leukemia and other diseases in children. “Be pesticide-free where children play,” she said.
Council will consider the request but Coun. Buffy Baumbrough says the timeline of 2010 for public lands was selected so operational issues can be addressed. Baumbrough also believes the city is limited when it comes to parks and school grounds. “We need to check with the school district because a lot of that is under their jurisdiction and with the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee,” she said.
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