It’s a win for environmental groups on the island as pesticide use has now been banned on all private and public lands.
This includes using them on any tree, shrub, flower, ornamental garden or plant, or turf setting.
The idea gained steam with council last November, and a public consultation on the matter was scheduled. Attendees at this January event heard presentations from the municipality and the Bowen Island Food Resilience (BIFS) group about the harms pesticides can cause, both to vegetation and living beings when their chemicals spread past the intended usage area.
The bylaw will not apply to farmland, Crippen Park, or areas zoned for commercial, industrial or institutional use.
“I like the nature friendly approach,” says Coun. Sue Ellen Fast on the new rule.
Manager of environment and parks planning Bonny Brokenshire says feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for the move. She says one person was concerned they might not be able to treat blackberries on their property, but pointed out there are exceptions for invasive species.
“We realize that invasive plants are a problem, and this bylaw is not designed to negate the ability for people to treat problematic species,” says Brokenshire.
A permit will need to be obtained for these exceptions though. The fine for using pesticides without permission is $500.
The municipality lists several alternatives to pesticides, including pest traps, physical removal, insecticidal soaps, or general prevention.
