Survey: Pesticides in Kingston
| April 27, 2007 |
HAVE YOUR SAY!
(text below from the City of Kingston)
City Solicits Public Input On Potential Pesticide Bylaw
Community Invited To Debate Future Of Cosmetic Use Of Pesticides
The City of Kingston is considering a bylaw that will restrict the cosmetic use of pesticides and wants residents to weigh in on the subject in an online survey and a discussion forum.
“We are committed to reducing the cosmetic use of pesticides in Kingston,” says Paul MacLatchy, Director of Strategy, Environment and Communications. “We want the community to let us know how, when, and where using chemical pesticides for cosmetic purposes is appropriate or inappropriate.”
The survey is now up on the City’s website at http://www.cityofkingston.ca/pesticides/, and will be accepting input until Friday, April 27. Its 14 questions reflect a number of restriction and enforcement options that could become part of a potential bylaw (the final question asks respondents for their names and phone numbers to confirm participation). The simultaneously launched e-Rationale discussion forum, now active at http://cok.erationale.info, offers residents a venue for free-ranging feedback and an opportunity to vote on what they think are the most important factors in defining the proposed bylaw.
“The City has many options for how a pesticide bylaw could be enforced. This survey is a great opportunity for the public to help determine the shape of any pesticide bylaw,” says MacLatchy.
Like those enacted in other Ontario municipalities, a local pesticide bylaw would seek to control the cosmetic use of synthetic chemical pesticides on private lawns and gardens. Such a bylaw could range from restricting very specific types of products in specific areas - perhaps offering exemptions to golf courses, farm-land, and sports fields - to a more sweeping ban on cosmetic pesticide use throughout the community.
Concerned residents can also pick up a survey at:
* City Hall - 216 Ontario Street
* Midland Avenue - 1425 Midland Avenue
* Artillery Park Aquatic Centre - 76 Ordnance Street
* Portsmouth Olympic Harbour - 53 Yonge Street
* Kingston Frontenac Public Library: Central branch, 130 Johnson Street; Isabel Turner
branch, 935 Gardiners Road; Pittsburgh branch, 80 Gore Road.
For further information contact:
Paul MacLatchy, Director of Strategy, Environment and Communications, at 613-546-4291, ext. 1226;The City of Kingston’s media hotline at 613-546-4291, ext 2300
In Sunnyside Community Garden, External Events
Posted on Apr 17