Healthy Green Spaces
Certain Pesticides Banned for Sale and Cosmetic Uses in Ontario as of April 22, 2009
The following is taken directly from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment news release issued on March 4th 2009.
The ban protects Ontario families and children from the unnecessary risks of cosmetic pesticides by only allowing the use of certain lower-risk pesticides for controlling weeds and pests in lawns and gardens.
The ban prohibits the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, parks and school yards, and includes many herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Over 250 products will be banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients will be banned for cosmetic uses.
There are exceptions for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps, or controlling poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch. Other exceptions include agriculture and forestry.The ban takes the place of existing municipal pesticide bylaws, establishing one clear set of easy-to-understand rules, and providing certainty for businesses operating in different areas of the province.
Ontario’s pesticide rules are outlined in the Pesticides Act and Ontario Regulation 63/09.
According to the Organic Landscape Alliance, chemical-dependent lawns are highly susceptible to pests and diseases, whereas a healthy lawn can survive several weeks in a dormant state, is less likely to be damaged by pests and is less affected by drought, temperature extremes and general wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the regulatory requirements for retailers, the landscape industry, homeowners and others?
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What are the rules for public health or safety, agriculture, forestry and golf courses?
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Where can I get some tips on caring for lawns and gardens without the use of chemicals?
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Where can I get more information? Please visit the Ministry of the Environment website or call Ministry staff at 1-800-565-4923.
- Reports of suspected non-compliance should be directed to your local MOE district office (during business hours). The Halton-Peel district office phone number is 905-319-3847 or 1-800-335-5906 or to the Ministry’s Pollution Hotline at 1-866-MOE-TIPS (1-866-663-8477).
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Halton Region Health Department have developed a fact sheet about the provincial ban.
The Use of Pesticides in the City of Burlington
In 2003, the City eliminated pesticide use on municipally-owned properties, with some exceptions. The City adopted a turf maintenance program based on preventative horticultural practices such as aeration, fertilization, irrigation, over-seeding (applying grass seed to existing turf) and topdressing (spreading a layer of enriching material on top of turf).On October 1, 2007, City Council directed staff to consult with the public and return to Council with a draft by-law restricting the cosmetic use of pesticides. This by-law, if approved by Council, would have taken effect on January 1, 2009. On June 23, 2008, Council accepted staff's recommendation to not proceed with developing a municipal bylaw as the provincial government indicated their intention to enact a province wide legislation to ban the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides. The provincial ban came into effect on April 22, 2009.
What is a pesticide?
A pesticide or pest control product that is used to control or destroy any pest, including weeds and insects. It is an umbrella term that can include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, antimicrobial agents, pool chemicals, microbials, material and wood preservatives, animal and insect repellents, and insect and rodent-controlling devices.
How can I maintain my garden and lawn without the use of pesticides?
Healthy lawns through preventative maintenance can withstand most weed and bug infestations. Information on tips to be Naturally Green and to use Integrated Pest Management techniques are found under Citizen Action. Additional information can be found on these websites:
Partners for Naturally Green
PMRA - Healthy Lawns
What is the Healthy Green Spaces Strategy for Public Land?
This Healthy Green Spaces Strategy identifies how the City maintains healthy green spaces on properties owned or managed by the City of Burlington. The City recognizes the importance of both recreational and leisure spaces. The strategy aims to ensure the ecological health of these areas is protected and restored and enhanced where necessary.
What is the City doing to reduce pesticides on public property?
As noted above, pesticides have been eliminated from use on city-owned property with some exceptions noted below. The City has adopted a turf maintenance program based on preventative horticultural practices such as aeration, fertilization, irrigation, over-seeding (applying grass seed to existing turf) and topdressing (spreading a layer of enriching material on top of turf).
Pesticides are used on a limited basis at city-owned and operated Tyandaga Golf Course due to the specialized turf at this location, which can be susceptible to disease. Tyandaga Golf Course staff have embarked on accreditation in Integrated Pest Management as well as in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. These programs require staff to monitor the following - turf conditions, use of cultural practices and pesticides, irrigation practices, wildlife, and enhance naturalized areas. Pesticide application in this situation is still permitted.
The City may also use pesticides on City-owned or managed property when there is an identified health and safety issue, such as the need to control poison ivy. Pesticide application under this scenario is still permitted.