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Feedback Sought on Draft Pesticide By-law


September 3, 2008 – The City of Thunder Bay is seeking feedback on a draft By-law that will restrict the use of pesticides within the municipality. The By-law was developed this past winter by a group of community stakeholders.

"I was very happy about the outcome of our work and the consensus that was reached by a rather mixed group," said Dr. Ken Deacon, Local Entomologist and stakeholder participant. "I feel that our attempt to deal with the problem here in Thunder Bay is one of the best solutions that I've seen for Ontario."

This June, the Province passed Bill 64 an Act to amend the Pesticides Act to prohibit the use and sale of pesticides that may be used for cosmetic purposes. Public consultation on the timelines for implementation and other details of this Act are ongoing, and City Council, at the request of the public, has requested further consultation on the local bylaw to address concerns.

"Many community members are concerned about the health of their families, and that of the environment," said Mayor Lynn Peterson. "We support acting with the precautionary principle in mind. I encourage all residents to review the bylaw and provide feedback." 

Two Open Houses will be held to gather feedback from citizens. The first will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 7-9pm at the West Thunder Community Centre and the second on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 4-6 pm at the Oliver Road Community Centre.  The draft By-law can also be reviewed online at www.earthwisethunderbay.comor at any public library branch.

For more information on the Open Houses please contact Sarah Kerton, Community Environmental Action Plan Coordinator at 624-2411.

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Contact: Sarah Kerton, Community Environment Action Plan Coordinator, 625-2411 or
              
skerton@thunderbay.ca, www.earthwisethunderbay.com.