www.kamloops.ca

Contact us.Integrated Pest Management Coordinator250-828-3888healthylandscapes@kamloops.ca

To view the Pesticide Use Control By-law visit: https://kamloops.civicweb.net/contentengine/launch.asp

For more information on healthy landscapes, visit: http://www.kamloops.ca/ipm

1For a complete list of landscape related excluded pesticides, visit : http://www.kamloops.ca/pdfs/brochures/ExcludedPesticides-RackCard.pdf

2For more information on noxious weeds visit: http://www.weedsbc.ca

3For more information on Pesticide Applicator certification, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/ipmp/pest_certification/certif_main.htm

Pesticide Use Control By-law No. 26-2

City of Kamloops

By-law No. 26-2On Tuesday, July 28, 2009 the City of Kamloops Pesticide Use Control By-law was passed and is in effect as of March 15, 2010. It regulates the cosmetic use of pesticides on ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf on residential properties. It states, "Except as permitted in this by-law, no Person may use or apply Pesticides or grant permission or authority to use or apply Pesticides on Residential Lands, for the purpose of maintaining outdoor trees, shrubs, other ornamental plants or turf."

Pesticides It should be noted that 'pesticide' is a term that broadly refers to all formulations that are used to prevent, destroy, repel, attract or reduce pest organisms. Some of the more commonly known pesticides are: herbicides (for plants), insecticides (for insects), fungicides (for fungus), and miticides (for mites).

There are those that are considered higher-risk chemical pesticides and others that are deemed lower-risk pesticides (commonly used by organic farmers).

ExceptionsThe by-law does not apply to:

• Excluded pesticides1

• Fruit trees and vegetable gardens• Agricultural land and farms• Greenhouses• Noxious weeds2 and insects (as

defined in the by-law)• Hard landscapes (e.g. patios and

sidewalks)• Mosquito control and other pests that

transmit human disease• Pests that impact commercial forestry

ExemptionsThe by-law allows for those with recognized credentials to apply for an exemption from the by-law. To apply for an exemption and become an approved applicator a person must have valid Pesticide Applicator certification (in relation to the Integrated Pest Management Regulation, BC Reg No. 604/2004)3.

Applications for exemption must be submitted annually.

NotificationIn order to accommodate those with concerns regarding pesticide applications it is mandatory that signage be posted.

Notice of Pesticide Use signs are to be posted 24 hours prior to application and must remain up for at least 48 hours. This notification allows individuals to take necessary precautions to minimize their exposure (e.g. closing windows during application).

City of Kamloops Pesticide Use FAQs

Why didn’t the City just ban cosmetic pesticides altogether?

There are a few reasons.

• The City does not have the authority to ban the sale of pesticides.

• The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (a branch of Health Canada) determines what meets current health and environmental standards. Its primary objective is to prevent unacceptable risks to people and the environment from the use of pesticides. The PMRA stresses the need for proper application.

• The City practices IPM and uses pesticide application as a last resort treatment option.

Why isn’t the by-law effective for everyone at the date of adoption?

Time was given to enable all to become educated about the by-law and pesticide alternatives. It also allows sufficient time for commercial applicators to acquire necessary credentials.

Why is there an exception for fruit trees and vegetable gardens?

There are limits as to what City Council can regulate. It only has the authority to regulate the cosmetic use of pesticides on ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf on residential properties.

What are excluded pesticides?1

Excluded pesticides are products that residents may still use. Some of the lower-risk pesticides that are on the excluded list are: vinegar (acetic acid), insecticidal soap (fatty acids), and Btk (naturally occurring bacteria). A more comprehensive list is available on the City's website. We anticipate additional products will become available. If you choose to use excluded pesticides, be sure to use them properly.

What is IPM?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a method of managing pests. The five steps of IPM are:

1. Identify;

2. Monitor;

3. Determine acceptable injury level;

4. Treat; and

5. Evaluate success.

There are a number of treatment options that can be explored before resorting to a pesticide application.

What the City is DoingThe by-law applies to the City of Kamloops at the date of adoption. It has been a part of policy for some time that all those employed by the City that apply pesticides have a valid Pesticide Applicator Certificate.

The City practices integrated pest management (IPM). Therefore, chemical pesticides are used as a last resort after going through all other steps in the process.

What Homeowners Can DoResidents can take advantage of the plant health and pest management education program offered by the City. There are alternatives to higher-risk chemical pesticides.

If a person wishes, they can still use an approved applicator to apply pesticides.NOTICE OF

PESTICIDE USETREATMENT AREA(S):

PEST(S) TO BE CONTROLLED:

WEEDS VEGETATION INSECTS OTHER

TARGET DETAILS:

ANTICIPATED START TIME APPLICATION DATE: : A.M.

: P.M. DAY MONTH YEAR

APPLICATION DATE IS VALID FOR 96 HOURS (4 DAYS)

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

TELEPHONE:

LICENSEE:

LICENCE NO. SEE REVERSE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS