Stores in Manitoba will face restrictions on the sale of synthetic pesticides as of Jan. 1, 2015, under new provincial legislation.

“We should reduce exposure to these products where they aren't really needed,” said Gord Mackintosh, conservation minister.

Schools, daycares, patios, playgrounds, sports fields, and hospitals will be subject to the restrictions.

Farms, golf courses and gardens will be exempt.

Some doctors applaud the restrictions, saying synthetic pesticides can cause various cancers.

“Perhaps the most tragic (cases) - children exposed to pesticides are at an increased risk for things like leukemia and sometimes deadly blood cancer," said Gideon Forman from the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

The province said bio-pesticides and lower risk products like eco-friendly herbicides will be permitted.

And, retailers will still be allowed to sell synthetic pesticides, but likely having them behind the counter.

Environmentalist Josh Brandon said that compromise has reduced usage in other provinces with similar laws.

“I think we have to trust Manitobans that they're going to behave responsibly that they're not going to sneak around and make illicit use of these products," said Brandon.

The province said nine bio-friendly products will be available on store shelves. But, one local lawn care company said only one of those actually keeps weeds away.

And the company says you have to spray a lot more of it on a lawn to do the same job, pushing up costs.

“We're probably looking at a $150 increase for people in the city and if you have a larger property it's going to be a lot more,” said David Hinton from Weed Man.

Homeowner Brian Whortley uses a lawn-care company to keep his front-yard green.

He doesn’t want to be told what he can and can’t use on his grass.

“It just seems so ridiculous - there's better things to worry about than our lawns and chemicals on it,” he said.

While the new law comes into effect for retailers on Jan. 1, 2015, homeowners will be given a one-year grace period to comply.

After that, the province said there will be fines for not obeying the new law. The amount of the fines has not yet been set.

- with a report from Jeff Keele