[van-announce] Kelowna joins list of cities considering pesticide by-laws.

[Ivan Bulic]

Immediate Release: Nov. 25, 2004

Kelowna joins list of Canadian cities considering pesticide by-laws.


Sixty two per cent of Kelowna residents  support a by-law to restrict 
non-essential cosmetic pesticide use on public and private property, 
according to a recent City of Kelowna survey. On Nov 22, Kelowna City 
Council also renewed a Pesticide Notification Registry program that allows 
residents  to know when and what pesticides are being sprayed

"This is a great day for the residents of Kelowna. A system is now in place 
that. This will allow residents to take precautions to avoid exposure to 
toxic pesticides," said Lloyd Manchester, Director of the Canadian 
EarthCare Society. Manchester is also calling for a  bylaw in Kelowna that 
would ban the use of cosmetic pesticides .

During Monday's Council session, Kelowna City staff  requested $25,000  for 
operation of the Registry, research into  alternatives to pesticides, 
and  public education..

"We are excited about the combination of a education program with the 
pesticide Registry. This will assist residents in getting their lawns and 
yards off drugs and make our community a healthier place to live in. The 
City has clearly committed to seeking alternatives and educating both 
themselves and the public about pesticides. Good for them." said Manchester.

Vancouver, Port Moody and New Westminster  already have, or are in the 
process of developing, pesticide by-laws that will become effective in 
January 2006. West Vancouver and the Capital Regional District in Victoria 
are also looking at draft by-laws. Meanwhile Maple Ridge Council 
will  consider a 3500-name petition by local residents asking for a 
pesticide by-law in that Fraser Valley municipality.

To date at least 66 Canadian cities, including Toronto, Halifax and most of 
Metropolitan Montreal have approved pesticide by-laws. SPEC's Real 
Environmental Alternatives to Pesticides (REAP) project  provides 
information about pesticide use to municipal decision makers in BC and 
across Canada.

-30-

Info: SPEC (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation) 
604-736-7732,  www.spec.bc.ca

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