Regulate the Non-essential (Cosmetic) Use of Pesticides

WHEREAS we all desire a safe and healthy environment in Regina for the wellbeing of all residents;

WHEREAS the Official Community Plan identifies the significance of environmental sustainability, health, and well-being;

WHEREAS we need to protect biodiversity in nature and create a healthy environment for birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies;

WHEREAS the cosmetic use of pesticides is unnecessary, creates needless exposure to toxic substances and poses health risks to humans, pets and other animals, birds and beneficial insects;

WHEREAS the province of Saskatchewan is one of only three provinces that does not regulate the cosmetic use of pesticides;

WHEREAS the City of Regina has reduced its use of cosmetic pesticides in its parks but has no bylaws regulating the cosmetic use of pesticides on city or private property;

WHEREAS the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in the landmark decision Canada Ltee (Spraytech, Societe d’arrosage) v. Hudson (Town), [2001] 2 S.C.R 241, 2001 SCC 40] that municipalities have the right to act in the public interest by restricting cosmetic pesticide use on both public and private property;

WHEREAS over 200 municipalities across Canada, and the entire province of Ontario, have regulated or banned the cosmetic use of pesticides -- in some cases for over 20 years; and

WHEREAS hundreds of cities and towns across Canada with bans on cosmetic pesticides continue to have beautiful lawns, gardens, parks and green spaces by using non-toxic alternatives to control weeds or insects

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Regina City Council direct Administration to prepare a report for Executive Committee by Q4 of 2022 that includes:

1.     A review of the research on how the elimination of cosmetic pesticides protects our biodiversity, especially birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies;

2.     A summary of the regulation and best practices in Canada to maintain green spaces and yards without the cosmetic use of pesticides;

3.     Feedback from the public through community engagement on a cosmetic pesticide ban; and

4.     Recommendations and implications of implementing a cosmetic pesticide ban and the funding requirement for a public education and communications plan on such a ban including the promotion of safe alternative products and best practices for yards, gardens and parks.

Respectfully submitted,