Pesticide ban no problem for most residents, says report

Ron Seymour 2010-02-06 Kelowna Daily Courier:
Kelowna homeowners have embraced a new bylaw that restricts the use of pesticides on lawns, city council will hear on Monday. Nearly 80 per cent of residents are aware of the bylaw, and more than two-thirds of those say they‘ve eliminated or reduced their pesticide use, according to staff who conducted a telephone survey last fall. “With continued public education, the numbers of pesticide users should be further reduced,” reads part of a report to council by staffer Todd Cashin. “Residents are looking to understand what alternatives are available and how pesticides may negatively impact the environment.” Kelowna‘s bylaw, which came into effect last year, prevents homeowners from using products such as Weed ‘N Feed on their lawns. While there were said to be hundreds of calls to the city about the bylaw, only five complaints were made by people about their neighbours supposedly using pesticides. “All complaints were followed up by city staff, information was provided and an educational package was sent to residents,” Cashin writes, although his report does not indicate whether anyone suspected of using pesticides was fined. One homeowner asked for an exemption to use pesticides, but this request was denied.

Dozens of Canadian cities have passed similar pesticide bans, citing concerns about the possible environmental and health impact of the products. Six provincial governments have passed laws restricting the sale of pesticides, and B.C. is considering following suit. Critics, whose ranks include the owners of lawn-and-garden-care companies, say there‘s no scientific evidence that the pesticides are harmful, and note the products have all been approved for sale and use by the federal government.

At a meeting in Kelowna last week of owners of lawn-and-garden-care companies, there were calls for Ottawa to stand up to the “bullies” in the environmental movement who have lobbied for pesticide bans in the absence of studies that show the products are harmful. Kelowna‘s bylaw allows licensed commercial applicators to continue using pesticide products. However, one “alternate recommendation” to be presented on Monday would also ban them from using pesticides in favour of products said to be more friendly to the environment.