Does Hamilton Need a Pesticides By-law?

HAMILTON, ON –  June 27, 2005–  The City of Hamilton begins public consultation today into the possible development a new pesticides by-law.  The City’s Pesticides Sub-Committee is joining in the debate on pesticide reduction by hosting a round of public forums across the city this week, to discuss cosmetic pesticide use on private residential property. The by-law will not apply to agriculturally zoned land.

Managing the use of pesticides on lawns, gardens, golf courses, parks and public properties, is the subject of many discussions around Ontario.  Important questions need to be asked for example:  Should the cosmetic use of pesticides on private property be controlled by the City?   If Hamilton adopts a by-law, who will be affected?  Where can pesticides be used?  Where will they be prohibited? 

“It’s important that Hamilton residents and businesses have the opportunity to contribute their ideas to the policy direction that the City will take on this important question,” noted Brian McHattie, Ward 1 Councillor and Chair of the Pesticides Sub-Committee.  “Many municipalities are taking action on this issue.  But the real challenge is changing people’s behaviour and providing information on alternatives to the use of pesticides.  Whichever way Council goes on this, education is imperative.”

Five public forums are being held at the end of June.   “The advice we get at these meetings will help the City determine its future course of action, so it is important that people come out and spend a couple of hours discussing this issue with us,” Councillor McHattie said. 

Please visit the Web site for more information: www.hamilton.ca/phcs/pesticide 

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Media Contacts:
Brian McHattie                                                                                             
Ward 1, Councillor
Chair, City of Hamilton Pesticides Sub-Committee 
905 546-2416