Burning Ban in W-S

A complete burning ban in Whitchurch-Stouffville was issued this week due to warm weather and dry foliage.
Residents can apply for outdoor burning permits, but they will not be activated until the ban has been lifted.
For more information, visit www.townofws.com

- ER

Press Release: Doctors Applaud Markham Pesticide Bylaw

TORONTO—The Town of Markham’s new pesticide bylaw will protect over a quarter-of-a-million people from toxic lawn products, says the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE).
The bylaw’s passage means 4 million Ontario residents now live in communities which have pesticide restrictions.
The legislation, which was passed by Town Council last night, will help reduce the risk of serious illness, especially among children, says CAPE Executive Director Gideon Forman.
“Doctors are just delighted that Markham has passed this strong bylaw,” says Forman. “The science shows pesticides are linked to cancers, birth defects, and neurological disease. By phasing-out toxic lawn products, Markham is taking a crucial step toward preventing these tragedies.”
Major health organizations -- including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Ontario College of Family Physicians, and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario -- supported the bylaw’s passage.
“It was a wonderful collaborative effort which brought together health authorities, civic leaders, and Markham residents. Many local citizens had been working on this campaign for a decade. We were very pleased that we could bring the doctors’ voice to the table.”
During the course of the campaign, CAPE appeared before Markham council to explain pesticides’ health effects; published an article outlining the science; and commissioned a professional pollster to survey citizens’ views. The poll found 76% favour a pesticide phase-out on private residential property.

Press Release: Markham passes pesticide bylaw

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.

Two Wanted For T-Hill Robbery

York Regional Police are looking for two men wanted for a gunpoint robbery at a Thornhill Tim Hortons.
Two men walked up to an employee tossing out trash at the back of the shop, in the Hwy. 7 and Leslie Street area, at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday
The employee and a fellow co-worker were forced into a freezer as the suspects stole cash from the register before fleeing.
No one was hurt.
Police describe both suspects as Asian males, 20 to 25 years old, wearing blue hoodies, blue jeans, sunglasses, gloves and bandannas over their faces.
One stands five-feet, nine-inches and was packing a black semi-automatic pistol.
The other is five-feet, 10-inches tall and was armed with a blue or black crowbar.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7873, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave a tip at www.1800222tips.com

- ER

Sports Report

The Blue Jays overcame four errors and a 3-0 deficit, to beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4.
Catcher Greg Zaun hit a two-run homerun in the 6th inning, giving Toronto the lead.
The final game of the series takes place this afternoon.
AJ Burnett (5-6) returns from a stint on the disabled list to face Minnesota's Carlos Silva (5-8)
First pitch: 2:05pm

The Argonauts kick off their 2007 CFL season tonight, when they host the defending Grey Cup champions, the BC Lions.
Damon Allen will be the starting quarterback, with Micheal Bishop and Mike McMahon backing him up.
Game time: 6:30pm at the Rogers Centre.

IBL: Toronto 9 Stratford 0

TBA: North York 7 Newmarket 0

- ER