SPEC News Release

Vancouver by-law to ban non-essential pesticides

January 16, 2004
Vancouver City Councilís Planning and Environment Committee has taken a major step in protecting the environment and health of Vancouver residents. The Committee approved a by-law to restrict the use of harmful, non-essential pesticides. Education and information about alternatives to chemical pesticides will precede the by-law, which comes into force in early 2006.

ìWith this decision Vancouver is moving into the forefront on dealing with harmful pesticides,î said SPEC president Stuart Mackinnon. ìAlthough more than 50 municipalities outside of BC already have pesticide by-laws in place, Vancouver will only be the second City in BC to take this step.î

The City of Port Moody passed a by-law in December 2003 limiting the use of cosmetic or non-essential herbicides and insecticides on both public and private property.

Exceptions to the Vancouver by-law include pesticides used to protect public health, such as controlling rodent infestation inside dwellings, or chemical agents that disinfect swimming pools.

ìWe already know that the public supports this kind of by-law,î said Mackinnon. ìBut for the by-law to be effective, it must be coupled with public education and information. We will work with the City and region to provide homeowners, gardeners and businesses with real alternatives to using dangerous chemical pesticides.î

A poll conducted for SPEC in October 2003 found that 81.1 per cent of Vancouver residents support a by-law restricting cosmetic pesticide use. SPEC has compiled information on alternatives to pesticides that can be accessed at www.spec.bc.ca/pesticides. SPEC is also developing educational workshops on alternatives to pesticides and their safe disposal.