Ontarians Want Pesticide Bylaws
Posted by: Kathie Brosemer (kathie) on November 01, 2001 at 10:35:44
from the what-else-is-new? dept.
A new poll shows that eighty-two percent of Ontarians support municipal bylaws restricting the use of pesticides on private property. They cite health concerns and environmental effects as their reasons why. See the full story at the Ottawa Sun.
Thursday, November 1, 2001 The Ottawa Sun Ontarians root for pesticide bylaws By ANDREA LEWANDOWSKI, Eighty-two percent of Ontarians support municipal bylaws that would restrict the use of pesticides on private property, according to a poll released yesterday. The poll, conducted by Oracle Poll Research and paid for by the Toronto Environmental Alliance, also revealed 75% of those who support such bylaws list health concerns and environmental effects as reasons. Only 27% of respondents stated they still use cosmetic pesticides. "What this poll shows is that we're on the right track," said Ottawa Coun. Alex Cullen, who has led the crusade against cosmetic pesticides. "There is wide-spread support. It's time for government to catch up with where the people are." Cosmetic pesticide use refers to maintenance of landscaped areas such as lawns, walkways, driveways and ornamental gardens. MUNICIPAL RULE The city already has a bylaw on the books that bans pesticides on all municipal properties. Cullen said council has already "pushed the button" on the issue and is waiting for staff to draft the new bylaw. He said the city's strategy will include a public information campaign. The proposed bylaw has met with criticism from some factions, including the Ottawa Environmental Coalition, a group of 11 city lawn-care companies with more than 30,000 customers. The coalition warns a ban could cause grub and cinch bug infestations, soil erosion and economic hardship for some. Oracle polled 625 people from Toronto, the GTA and across Ontario. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Pesticide Bans
by al on 2004-05-04 17:24:04
I would like to know how groups calling themselves Ottawa Environmental Coalition and Toronto Environmental Coalition can possbly take issue with a chemical pesticide ban. Can it be that they are more concerned with their profit margin being affected by these new by-laws, than by the benefit to the environment?? I then start to think that they should re-name themselves, as it seems to me that they are misleading the general public with their ads to ask people to call their local reps to voice disproval to these new propsed by-laws. By-laws that are long over due, and needed desperately. Come on Ontario lets set an example and start looking to the future of our cities, families, furry friends, and overall health.