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
BREAKING Trudeau promises $1B in loans for child-care providers to expand care centres
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Spring allergy season has begun. Where is it worse in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
N.B. man wins $64 million from Lotto 6/49
A New Brunswicker will go to bed Thursday night much richer than he was Wednesday after collecting on a winning lottery ticket he let sit on his bedroom dresser for nearly a year.
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.