• In co-operation with the Windsor Environmental Advisory Committee and produced by the Windsor Pesticide Task Force, a booklet entitled Natural Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides for Easy Lawn & Garden Care is available on-line. Also available is a CALM (Clear Alternatives for Landscape Management) booklet and a brochure on Growing a Healthy Lawn.
• A brochure, Go Natural, has been developed by the Detroit River Clean Up to assist you in caring for your yard without pesticides.

250+ Pesticides Banned for Cosmetic Uses

• McGuinty Government's Pesticide Ban Takes Effect April 22

The ban protects Ontario families and children from the unnecessary risks of cosmetic pesticides by only allowing the use of certain lower-risk pesticides for controlling weeds and pests in lawns and gardens.

The ban prohibits the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, parks and school yards, and includes many herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Over 250 products will be banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients will be banned for cosmetic uses.
         
There are exceptions for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps, or controlling poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch. Other exceptions include agriculture and forestry.

The ban takes the place of existing municipal pesticide bylaws, establishing one clear set of easy-to-understand rules, and providing certainty for businesses operating in different areas of the province.

If you wish to report use of pesticides please call the Ministry of the Environment local office at (519)-948-1464, or 1(800) 387-8826 and ask for a Duty Officer.  

Please click on the links for more information:

• http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/news/2009/030401.php
• http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/land/pesticides/factsheet-pesticides.php

Parks and Recreation
2450 McDougall Street
Windsor, Ontario
Canada
N8X 3N6

Telephone: For general information, call 311.
For detailed inquiries, call (519) 253-2300, 6586.
Fax: (519) 255-7990
Email: parkrec@city.windsor.on.ca