WHEREAS the City of New Westminster strongly supports comprehensive Integrated Pest Management plans based on an ecological approach to vegetation management; AND WHEREAS in such plans, it is recognized that pesticides are only to be used as a last resort; AND WHEREAS the City of New Westminster is moving towards the introduction of bylaws to restrict the application of cosmetic pesticides on lands within the City boundaries and as such is concerned that the duration of the BNSF Railways Pest Management Plan April 1, 2005 - March 31, 2010 will not be reflective of the Citys priorities in the near future: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all levels of government, agriculture and industry agree to use pesticides only where a viable alternative does not exist and that they encourage the use of integrated pest management systems.
Ministry of Environment The new Integrated Pest Management Act emphasizes alternatives to pesticides. And where no alternative exists, it calls for the pesticide with the least impact on the environment to be used. Our goal is to reduce the impact of pesticides on human health and on the environment. IPM will help us meet that goal. Over time, as people become better educated about integrated pest management and safe pest management, we expect this new Act to result in less pesticide use. Fines for infractions are significantly increased. Under the old regulations, the maximum fine was 2,000. Now it is 200,000 and even more for subsequent offenses. This new Act allows ministry staff to focus more time in the field monitoring, checking for compliance and enforcing the law. The public will continue to have input as a result of these changes. They will be consulted in the development of pest management plans, and there are requirements in the regulation for public notification about pesticide use. By requiring integrated pest management and increased public participation, routine pesticide use will be done safely and in the best interests of the environment and human health. Government will be able to focus on higher-risk, non-routine uses.