FAQs

Pesticide is the general term for any substance designed to eliminate undesired insects, weeds, rodents, fungi, bacteria and other organisms. 

This can include insecticides (for insects), herbicides (for plants), and fungicides (for fungal diseases).

The Pesticide Use Bylaw would protect the natural environment by regulating and reducing the non-essential use of pesticides on outdoor trees, shrubs, flowers, other ornamental plants, and turf. 

Pesticides spread easily to other land areas and bodies of water where they may affect non-target organisms and plants causing harm to the environment. 

The Pesticide Use Bylaw would ban pesticides on public or private land except for a list of exempted pesticides for the management of pests which carry human diseases or impact agriculture or forestry, on the residential areas of farms, on or inside buildings, on land used for agriculture, forestry, transportation and utilities.

Residents would be able to apply for a permit to use otherwise prohibited pesticides. This exception may be granted in situations where the pest infestation threatens a sensitive ecosystem, the infestation is of an invasive species or noxious weeds, or financial harm.