In a matter of days, Manitobans could find out how far reaching a ban on cosmetic pesticides will stretch.
Manitoba's Conservation Minister says he is set to make the announcement shortly.
A group representing the landscape industry delivered more than 8,000 postcards to the minister from people opposed to the ban.
“We certainly hope you take this into consideration,” said David Hinton from Landscape Manitoba told Minister Gord Mackintosh.
Moments later, Mackintosh said details on the ban will be announced soon.
“We certainly are going to move in the direction of regulating exposure to chemical lawn pesticides and there are many, many options available on how to do that,” he said.
One of those options could be the Ontario model where the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides are prohibited.
Landscape Manitoba said such a measure here could be detrimental for lawns.
“We’re going to have more weeds. We’re going to have maybe insect problems that go unchecked and it could cost homeowners a lot of money to re-sod and look after their properties in the future,” said Hinton.
Environmentalists said surveys have shown that most Manitobans support a ban.
They argue the use of the chemicals pose a health risk, especially to children and pets.
“Respiratory problems, neurological and development problems, so there are serious risks here,” said Josh Brandon from Green Action Centre.
But some are concerned about what a ban could do the health of their lawns.
Tony Anania said the only reason his yard is dandelion-free is because a company sprays pesticides on his grass.
"Lawn wouldn't look this good…it would be yellow and I don't think you can get them out by hand," he said.
The province said details on how far the ban will go will be unveiled in a matter of days.
It is not going to apply to the city’s fight against insects or farming operations.
- with a report from Jeff Keele
