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April 03, 2016 - 11:30 AM
KAMLOOPS - Enforcement of a new bylaw which limits what kind of pesticides people can use on their gardens is going to be difficult to enforce, according to the head of city's bylaw enforcement.
“At this time we’ll have to review what we’re doing with enforcement,” safety and enforcement manager Jon Wilson says. “I anticipate not a whole lot of enforcement and a focus on education.”
If there are recurring issues he says fines will be handed out, starting at $250.
There haven’t been any complaints about the new bylaw yet.
City pest management coordinator Karla Hoffman says that could change once dandelions start popping up in people’s lawns. The controversial ban was approved by council last summer.
The ban is only for ornamental or cosmetic gardens, Hoffman says. Food bearing trees or sports fields are exempt from the bylaw. Not all pesticides are banned and on the city website there is a list of allowed pesticides, which are in line with the provincial regulations.
She says some of the pesticides that are excluded from the banned list include vinegar solutions and corn gluten meal. A brochure explaining the restrictions is in development now she says, and expects it to be available during the growing season.
Find past stories on the pesticide bylaw here.
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