Thursday, September 10, 2009

Are you bugged by pesticide use?

There has been much media coverage and debate regarding chemical applications used to control unwanted invaders within our city - remember purple loosestrife? We seem to have an abundance of dandelions, mosquitoes with the risk of West Nile, and just recently a rat scare in the northeast. When does a weed or animal become noxious or a nuisance and what is the best practice for dealing with it?

Back in 2008, Calgary City Council directed the City of Calgary Administration to draft a proposed pesticide use bylaw. The term 'pesticides' includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides (i.e. rat poison). This initiative came as a result of some citizens voicing their concerns about the environmental and health impacts of non-essential pesticides. Similar bylaws restricting the use of non-essential pesticides have been passed in other cities and provinces across Canada.

The City is welcoming comments and has opened several of its meetings to the public. On October 7, 2009 the Administration will present an update on the pesticide use bylaw and on December 2, 2009 the draft bylaw will be presented at committee along with an update on the City's Integrated Pest Management policy. Click here to access this policy. It is a somewhat lengthy document, but it is easy to scan through and pick out highlights such as common misconceptions regarding pesticide application (see Perceptions), and the various 'zones' in Calgary and how pest management differs among them.

In April 2010, if the bylaw is approved by City Council it will be added to the policy and presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Utilities and Environment.

In the meantime, the City is asking for our input in drafting the pesticide use bylaw, starting with a short 5 question survey here . It is a short-answer essay format asking your opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of City spraying programs, how you personally combat weeds and pests on your property, and to what extent you have success with your methods.

The public is also invited to attend one of the following information sessions:

Wed, Sept 23 - Deerfoot Inn and Casino, Bridlewood Room (1000-11500 35th St. SE) 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Thurs, Sept 24 - Beddington Heights Community Centre (375 Bermuda Dr. NW) 6 pm to 8 pm
Tues Sept 29 - Cedarbrae Community Centre (11024 Oakfield Dr. SW) 6 pm to 8 pm
Wed, Sept 30 - Calgary Pineridge Community Centre (6024 Rundlehorn Dr. NE) 6 pm to 8 pm

If you have any feedback on this issue, please send it here.

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