February 11, 2015 - 2:56 PM
KELOWNA - The City of Kelowna’s pesticide notification registry is open from Feb. 12 to March 13. The annual registry is for Kelowna residents who wish to be informed when pesticide spraying occurs on residential properties adjacent to their own.
“This registry is valuable for those who wish to minimize their exposure to pesticides,” said Todd Cashin, Subdivision, Agriculture & Environment Services Manager. “Since certified applicators are still able to apply chemical pesticides, this allows residents to have the option of knowing when spraying in their area is taking place.”
Registrants are notified by commercial spray operators on the day before or the same day as the pesticide is applied to abutting residential properties. The registry notification does not cover pesticide application on agricultural properties.
Residents can register online at kelowna.ca/environment, by providing their name, street address, postal code, phone number, email address, preference for same-day or day-before notification and reasons for registering. Alternately, residents can register by calling the Commercial Pesticide Notification Registry Hotline at 250-469-8556.
Residents must sign up each year for the registry to be kept accurate and up to date. Those included in the 2014 registry must register again if they wish to be included in this year’s notification program.
The City’s pesticide bylaw came into effect Jan. 1, 2009 and it restricts the use of cosmetic pesticides by homeowners on residential properties. Pesticide applicators who are provincially certified can apply to be exempt from the bylaw.
For more information about the City’s pesticide regulation bylaw or to learn healthy yard tips, visit kelowna.ca/environment.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015