City of Kamloops
Exceptions
Contact us.
The by-law does not apply to:
Integrated Pest Management Coordinator 250-828-3888 healthylandscapes@kamloops.ca To view the Pesticide Use Control By‑law visit: https://kamloops.civicweb.net/ contentengine/launch.asp
By-law No. 26-2
For more information on healthy landscapes, visit: http://www.kamloops.ca/ipm 1
For a complete list of landscape related excluded pesticides, visit : http://www.kamloops.ca/pdfs/brochures/ ExcludedPesticides-RackCard.pdf 2
For more information on noxious weeds visit: http://www.weedsbc.ca 3
For more information on Pesticide Applicator certification, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/ipmp/ pest_certification/certif_main.htm
Pesticide Use Control By-law No. 26-2
On Tuesday, July 28, 2009 the City of Kamloops Pesticide Use Control By-law was passed and is in effect as of March 15, 2010. It regulates the cosmetic use of pesticides on ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf on residential properties. It states, "Except as permitted in this by-law, no Person may use or apply Pesticides or grant permission or authority to use or apply Pesticides on Residential Lands, for the purpose of maintaining outdoor trees, shrubs, other ornamental plants or turf."
Pesticides It should be noted that 'pesticide' is a term that broadly refers to all formulations that are used to prevent, destroy, repel, attract or reduce pest organisms. Some of the more commonly known pesticides are: herbicides (for plants), insecticides (for insects), fungicides (for fungus), and miticides (for mites).
www.kamloops.ca
There are those that are considered higherrisk chemical pesticides and others that are deemed lower-risk pesticides (commonly used by organic farmers).
• • • • • • • •
Excluded pesticides1 Fruit trees and vegetable gardens Agricultural land and farms Greenhouses Noxious weeds2 and insects (as defined in the by-law) Hard landscapes (e.g. patios and sidewalks) Mosquito control and other pests that transmit human disease Pests that impact commercial forestry
Exemptions The by-law allows for those with recognized credentials to apply for an exemption from the by-law. To apply for an exemption and become an approved applicator a person must have valid Pesticide Applicator certification (in relation to the Integrated Pest Management Regulation, BC Reg No. 604/2004)3. Applications for exemption must be submitted annually.
City of Kamloops Pesticide Use
What the City is Doing
Notification
The by-law applies to the City of Kamloops at the date of adoption. It has been a part of policy for some time that all those employed by the City that apply pesticides have a valid Pesticide Applicator Certificate.
In order to accommodate those with concerns regarding pesticide applications it is mandatory that signage be posted. Notice of Pesticide Use signs are to be posted 24 hours prior to application and must remain up for at least 48 hours. This notification allows individuals to take necessary precautions to minimize their exposure (e.g. closing windows during application).
The City practices integrated pest management (IPM). Therefore, chemical pesticides are used as a last resort after going through all other steps in the process.
Why didn’t the City just ban cosmetic pesticides altogether? There are a few reasons. •
The City does not have the authority to ban the sale of pesticides.
•
The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (a branch of Health Canada) determines what meets current health and environmental standards. Its primary objective is to prevent unacceptable risks to people and the environment from the use of pesticides. The PMRA stresses the need for proper application.
What Homeowners Can Do Residents can take advantage of the plant health and pest management education program offered by the City. There are alternatives to higher-risk chemical pesticides. If a person wishes, they can still use an approved applicator to apply pesticides.
NOTICE OF PESTICIDE USE
FAQs
•
The City practices IPM and uses pesticide application as a last resort treatment option.
Why isn’t the by-law effective for everyone at the date of adoption?
TREATMENT AREA(S):
VEGETATION INSECTS
OTHER
TARGET DETAILS: ANTICIPATED APPLICATION DATE: DAY
MONTH
START TIME :
A.M.
:
P.M.
YEAR
APPLICATION DATE IS VALID FOR 96 HOURS (4 DAYS) FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: TELEPHONE: LICENSEE: LICENCE NO.
Excluded pesticides are products that residents may still use. Some of the lower-risk pesticides that are on the excluded list are: vinegar (acetic acid), insecticidal soap (fatty acids), and Btk (naturally occurring bacteria). A more comprehensive list is available on the City's website. We anticipate additional products will become available. If you choose to use excluded pesticides, be sure to use them properly. What is IPM?
PEST(S) TO BE CONTROLLED: WEEDS
1
What are excluded pesticides?
SEE REVERSE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Time was given to enable all to become educated about the by-law and pesticide alternatives. It also allows sufficient time for commercial applicators to acquire necessary credentials. Why is there an exception for fruit trees and vegetable gardens? There are limits as to what City Council can regulate. It only has the authority to regulate the cosmetic use of pesticides on ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf on residential properties.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a method of managing pests. The five steps of IPM are: 1.
Identify;
2.
Monitor;
3.
Determine acceptable injury level;
4.
Treat; and
5.
Evaluate success.
There are a number of treatment options that can be explored before resorting to a pesticide application.