At Monday's executive committee meeting, councillors discussed the Province's Pesticides Act amendment to prohibit the use and sale of pesticides for cosmetic purposes. The City of Pickering was working intensely on a pesticide ban and almost passed it until the Province announced it may enforce one. So council chose to send a copy of Pickering's draft bylaw to the Province to see if it would be worthwhile implementing its own ban. A few weeks later, the Province introduced the bill to amend the Pesticides Act.

"It's a good thing, and it's a long time coming," said Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley, adding she's glad the City waited.

Although fairly similar, Pickering's proposed bylaw allowed for exemptions for spot sprays on areas such as lawn bowling fields and City sports fields, insect infestations and hard surfaces. The Province's act doesn't list exemptions for lawn bowling greens or baseball field warning tracks, but it does include a general exemption for health and safety purposes. It'll also make exemptions for golf courses.

"I hope the provincial (ban) comes in in a speedy time frame with a phase-in," said Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell.

She said the City was planning on phasing in its ban.

Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson noted how important it is to spray lawn bowling greens in order for the field to be playable and warning tracks for public safety, especially since it keeps seniors and older adults active. The City staff report on the provincial act states failing to spot spray the warning track "increases the possible risk factor and liability for athletes."

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles is happy with the Province's act, especially since it addresses the sale of pesticides, an area municipalities have no jurisdiction over. He was curious to see if the Province has indicated it would fund the enforcement of the bylaw.

Everett Buntsma, director of operations and emergency services, said the Province hasn't indicated funding, but believes some training will be available, emphasizing it's in the draft phase.

"The City's got enough downloading without the Province asking for more," Coun. Dickerson said.

The City will send its comments to the Province for input.