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Posted by Sandra Williams Oct 26, 2007 |
Waterloo presently has a region wide ban on pesticides during July and August but it has been suggested that this bylaw is too flimsy.
Although the motion was defeated by Regional Council on Oct.24, it has not hindered Mayor Brenda Halloran. She told regional council,"There is significant public support for it." Halloran is in the process of contacting Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty who previously promised a proposal for a province wide pesticide ban.
Lakeshore City Coun. Angela Vieth said "We're a forward-thinking community, and I think (implementing a pesticide ban) is something that really shouldn't require a whole lot of time and effort. It just should be stopped." Vieth proposed the city create it's own bylaw since the ban isn't up for review until 2009.
The poll online at the Waterloo Chronicle website shows 57% support a total pesticide ban although many also strongly oppose it.
I think it's wonderful that people are exploring the environmental benefits of pesticide bans. Although the issue keeps getting bounced between the city and the region, the fact that so many people support the ban proposal is promising.
Sources: Waterloo Chronicle, "Spray Ban in Regions Hands", Jennifer Ormston, Oct.10,2007
The Record(Waterloo and the Region)"Pesticide Pilot Plan doesn't Fly", Frances Barrick, Oct.25,2007
Related: Rachel Carson Defended Nature