Council decides against regulating pesticide use

Despite vigorous opposition from Ward 6 Councillor Peter Vaudry, Sault City Council has decided against imposing any controls on the use of pesticides on private property. Council's sixth discussion of the issue in 13 years was prompted by the Supreme Court of Canada decision last summer upholding a Quebec municipality's right to restrict property owners from using pesticides for merely cosmetic reasons.

Vaudry was upset that Council heard from Ian Staite of Turf King, John Pazdrak of Nutri-Lawn, and Bill Polnick of Grow it Green (all shown above) but failed to invite representatives of the environmental community to the meeting. Greenwood Public School

Vaudry also read a news release from the Canadian Cancer Society opposing use of the chemicals for cosmetic purposes.

At Greenwood Public School in the Sault, many parents keep their children at home on spraying days, Vaudry said.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the City's existing practice, seeking to continually reduce use of pesticides on municipal properties.

The City's methods are similar to the integrated approach taken by many lawn-care companies. It tries to encourage healthy turf that can withstand biological and environmental stressors on its own, using chemicals only when needed.

Law is changing next year

City Solicitor Lori Bottos told Council that changes to the Municipal Act that take effect next year may remove the right of Ontario municipalities to regulate pesticide use on private property, except by licensed applicators.

Vaudry voted against sticking with the status quo, as did Ward 5 Councillor Debbie Amaroso and Ward 6 Councillor Frank Manzo.

Ward 2 Councillor Brady Irwin said: "It would behoove this Council to leave the door open to further information about this."

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