The City of Hamilton, under the auspices of the Pesticides Sub-Committee, is currently investigating ways to address the cosmetic use of pesticides on private property. Three approaches currently being explored by the Pesticide Sub-Committee are: education and awareness campaigns only, a restrictive by-law or a by-law that would completely ban the use of pesticides for cosmetic use on private property. A link has been provided for you to access staff reports to the Pesticide Sub-Committee as well as meeting minutes.
The City of Hamilton is not alone in its concern over the issue of pesticide use on private property for cosmetic purposes. In recent years, over seventy other municipalities have developed by-laws in order to reduce the use of pesticides. Municipalities with pesticide reduction by-laws in Ontario include Toronto, North Bay, Thorold, Perth, Cobalt and Caledon.
A community consultation is currently underway to collect feedback from the public about how stakeholders and citizens-at-large feel about the issue of cosmetic use of pesticides on private property. Several public workshops will be held throughout the month of June in order to build a full understanding of how City Council should proceed in its goal of reducing the cosmetic use of pesticides. The input of the community is important to the City of Hamilton, and any comments or questions would be greatly appreciated.
Lura Consulting will be assisting the City of Hamilton to complete the public consultation process. Dates, times and locations of public meetings along with other ways to pass on your opinions to City staff will be posted on the Lura's Hamilton Pesticides Project page.
Meeting Agenda, Minutes and Reports