MARKHAM, ON ~ Markham has passed a bylaw regulating the non-essential use of pesticides in the Town. It will come into effect January 1, 2008.
"With the passage of this bylaw, Markham has taken another major step in environmental protection," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "By regulating the non-essential use of pesticides, we will help protect our physical environment and the health of the Town's residents."
"Environmental sustainability is one of the key focus areas for this Council. In addition to passing this pesticide bylaw, we have an aggressive new waste diversion target, are planning tree planting initiatives and supporting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in all new developments," said Mayor Scarpitti.
"After wide consultation with residents, Council has put together an excellent pesticide bylaw," said Councillor and Environmental Issues Committee Chair, Erin Shapero. "This law is a victory for every child in Markham who likes to roll on the grass or play ball with their friends. It's also a victory for family pets and for our drinking water. It shows Markham Council is taking real, positive steps to protect the environment and citizens' health."
Markham will undertake a public education program to inform residents and businesses about the bylaw and how to maintain healthy lawns and gardens without pesticides. It will focus on gaining property owner's co-operation, acceptance of new maintenance practises/standards of appearance, and motivation to "do the right thing".
While the new bylaw does not permit application of pesticides within the Town of Markham, it does identify a list of low impact pest control products that can be used such as a soap, dormant or horticultural oil and corn gluten meal. The bylaw also identifies a number of situations where pesticides can be used. These include: to disinfect swimming pools, to purify water, to control termites, to control a health hazard and on farms.
Golf courses and lawn bowling greens are permitted to use pesticides only under the direction of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Accredited Agent and will be required to submit their records annually to the Town for review.
Bylaw enforcement and fine options will be presented in a separate report to Markham Council this fall.
