City studying use of cosmetic pesticides after province loosens restrictions
The City of Winnipeg is exploring the pros and cons of using cosmetic pesticides once banned by the province.
Earlier this month, the Stefanson government loosened restrictions around the use of pesticides with certain chemicals.
Since 2014, Manitoba cities, homeowners and lawn care companies had to turn to products which were more eco-friendly. Some in the industry have said they don’t work as well and are more expensive.
The city’s community services committee has ordered a report due in four months on phasing in their use on city parks and boulevards for 2023.
The study will also look at costs, the science behind all of this, what other jurisdictions are doing and the potential for buffer zones.
This comes after a motion sponsored by North Kildonan City Councillor Jeff Browaty for the city to use these pesticides.
“I'm hearing from a lot of people, ‘why can't we do dandelion control?’” Browaty said
Browaty calls the weeds an eyesore, and says while homeowners take pride in their yards, the city should do the same with boulevards and parks.
"There are residents who have allergies, times of the year where dandelions go from the yellow to the white,” he said.
However, there is opposition to the use of cosmetic pesticides.
A handful of delegates addressed the committee over their concerns the pesticides are harmful to the environment and people.
Marg Friesen from the Environmental Health Association of Manitoba says the chemicals can have short and long-term impacts.
"If this is brought forward, then it's going to be a huge step back. Some of the immediate results actually make people sick,” Friesen said.
Daniel McIntyre City Councillor Cindy Gilroy told the committee not to bother with the report at all. She says the city should find a more eco-friendly solution to deal with noxious weeds.
“I know that these are annoying to some people, but introducing chemicals is not the answer,” she said.
Browaty argues the pesticides in question are approved by Health Canada for use.
Committee chair John Orlikow suggests the report could settle the debate.
"Do we want to have kids running around with herbicides all over the field or can we live with the dandelions?” he asked. “Let’s find out. I think a report will provide a healthier debate rather than more of an emotional debate."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.