Ron Seymour 2010-02-09 Kelowna Courier:
The B.C. government should prevent homeowners from buying and using cosmetic pesticides across the province, Kelowna city council says. Councillors voted unanimously on Monday to suggest Victoria introduce a new law preventing retailers from selling products such as Weed‘N‘Feed and other pesticides designed for lawn and garden use. “This legislation should be done on a provincial level,” Coun. Luke Stack said after council heard about one-third of British Columbians live in municipalities where use of cosmetic pesticides is restricted. The B.C. government has set a Feb. 15 deadline for comment on possible changes to provincial laws regarding the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides. Six provinces already restrict or prohibit the use of the products, citing concerns about their potential impact on the environment and human health. Kelowna‘s bylaw, which took effect last year, prohibits homeowners from using cosmetic pesticides on their property, but allows licensed commercial applicators to continue spraying the products. Council heard from staff that the bylaw has been generally well-received by the public, with few complaints and many people saying they had, or intended to, eliminate or reduce the use of cosmetic pesticides. A minority of councillors – Angela Reid, Charlie Hodge and Michele Rule – wanted the city‘s submission to the province to include a recommendation that a ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides apply to everyone, including those currently licensed to spray them. Such a band, Reid said, would be good for the “health and well-being of human beings, and our furry friends,” and Rule said she didn‘t believe that any pesticide use was safe. But Hobson cautioned against being “overly simplistic” on the issue, noting there are many kinds of pesticides. Critics of pesticide-control bylaws say there‘s no scientific evidence the products are harmful, and point out their manufacture is regulated by the federal government.
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