On May 1, the ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides came into effect.
The Association of Manitoba Municipalities continues to voice its opposition to this unreasonable regulation not only due to its contradictory wording but also due to its impractical restrictions and skyrocketing compliance costs placed on municipalities.
The ban outlaws pesticides approved by federal government agencies, reducing the ability of municipalities to effectively manage weed-control programs and resulting in unnecessary financial constraints on municipal budgets.
Steinbach, for example, has estimated its annual cost of fighting weeds in the community will increase to more than $237,000 from approximately $15,000 — which all citizens will ultimately have to pay.
While Manitoba’s municipalities fully support initiatives to ensure public safety, the AMM urges the province to consider an exemption of urban hard-surface boulevards and highway ditches from the ban. Contrary to provincial thinking, no child plays on the side of the Trans-Canada Highway.
We hope Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff will adopt a practical approach to amend the regulation on the ban of cosmetic pesticides while working with municipalities to implement practical weed-control solutions.
Doug Dobrowolski
President, Association of Manitoba Municipalities
Source: Letters, May 6 – Winnipeg Free Press
