Pesticide-free pledge

Saanich will take the pledge to be pesticides free. This month, Saanich Council will consider a motion to maintain the municipal hall property without the use of pesticides. Currently, Saanich properties are 95 per cent pesticide-free, but the pledge will introduce a ban on pesticides at the municipal hall.

The pledge is intended to be an opportunity to raise awareness about pest management practices that don’t involve the harmful use of pesticides on lawns and gardens. Saanich is not alone in the campaign. Victoria was the first municipality in the region to introduce a bylaw to ban the cosmetic use of pesticides. Esquimalt is considering a similar bylaw.

Saanich has undertaken an educational campaign to promote natural alternatives to pesticide use. The pledge for the municipal hall property is an opportunity for Saanich to model good behaviour and raise awareness about the use of harmful chemicals when more environmentally-friendly options are available.

It is time for Saanich to follow the City of Victoria's lead and introduce a bylaw to ban the cosmetic use of pesticides. Several years ago the CRD developed a model bylaw on which Saanich can base its own ban. The educational process is important, as Saanich residents need to be engaged if we are going to restrict these harmful chemicials. We can introduce a ban and provide education concurrently. There is no reason to delay implementation of the bylaw.

If you are interested in taking the pesticide-free pledge, please visit the CRD website: http://www.crd.bc.ca/takethepledge