Guelph Pesticide By-law

WHEREAS: many health organizations and doctors advise avoiding pesticides, particularly for children, due to their health impacts;

WHEREAS: more than 70 municipalities across Canada, representing 36\% of the Canadian population (using on the 2001 Census), have enacted by-laws to protect their citizens from unwanted exposure to synthetic lawn and garden pesticides;

WHEREAS: levels of lawn care pesticides have been detected in Guelph storm water detention ponds by the Ministry of Environment above the provincial standard for protection of aquatic species;

WHEREAS: chemical pesticides are harmful to human health and the environment;

WHEREAS: the use of chemical pesticides for lawn maintenance is unnecessary because sustainable, healthy and effective alternatives are available;

WHEREAS: the City of Guelph has supported pesticide reduction with a public education program addressing sustainable and safe lawn and garden maintenance practices; and

WHEREAS: the City of Guelph has reduced the use of pesticides in public areas,

WE petition the City of Guelph as follows:

The City of Guelph should enact a by-law phasing out the use of chemical pesticides on residential and business lawns, meaning that after the phase-out period, no chemical pesticides could be used on Guelph home or business lawns.