A ban on cosmetic pesticides in Revelsoke is one step closer to reality after a report and draft bylaw was included in this week’s agenda for council’s meeting as the Committee of the Whole (COTW).
The committee was also expected to hear a presentation about the dangers of pesticides from representatives of the Canadian Cancer Society.
The report by Brian Mallett, the city’s director of engineering and public works, looks at how pesticide bans have been received in other communities. It indicates local landscaping companies and the superintendent of the Revelstoke Golf Club would not be negatively impacted by a proposed ban.
The report says a strong education campaign would need to be part of the implementation of any such ban.
The draft bylaw exempts the Revelstoke Golf Course from the ban. It also allows for the use of pesticides to control noxious weeds if alternatives are not successful.
Other exemptions include use inside buildings, application of pesticides to control ants, termites and wasps, and the use of pesticides to control or destroy a health hazard.
The City of Revelstoke and the local school district both stopped using pesticides on their grounds. The ban is supported by the North Columbia Environmental Society, the Rod and Gun Club, Interior Health, and other groups.
Pesticides are linked to cancers, neurological disorders and other health issues.
The COTW meets Tuesday, Aug. 17, in the afternoon. Visit revelstoketimesreview.com or stay tuned to next week’s paper for more on this story.
Revelstoke Times Review – Pesticide ban bylaw to be presented to council.
