Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 15, 2009 6:00 PM
Opposition to banning pesticide use in Vernon has taken root. A delegation of business people told council Tuesday that they have concerns about restrictions on the use of chemical applications. “An outright ban is not necessary,” said Richard Hamilton, who manages commercial properties.The city is proposing to eliminate cosmetic pesticides on public land in 2010 and on private property in 2012.
Orchardist Sid Sidhu told council that some sprays are necessary for pest control. “If you were to ban pesticides, we wouldn’t be farming,” he said. Sidhu also explained that he is certified to use pesticides and must follow extensive government policies. “We are regulated and audited,” he said. In his presentation, Mario Lanthier, a research specialist, indicated that some risks come with chemical applications. “Pesticides should be used in a safe manner and only when necessary and that’s not always the case,” he said. However, Lanthier says pesticides are needed for the production of food.Lanthier added that Kelowna and other cities allow pesticides to be used by certified companies. “Pesticides remain a tool that is very critical.”
Coun. Buffy Baumbrough believes the delegation may misunderstand what the city is trying to achieve and says controls would only be on cosmetic pesticides for esthetic purposes. “Agriculture has never been the intention of this council. There is right-to-farm legislation,” she said of provincial rules that govern agricultural practices.Baumbrough says she and others on council also remain open-minded about the use of chemicals. “We are willing to consider circumstances where pesticides are possible,” she said.
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