Markham says “Thank you Mr. Premier - you’ve made it a great Earth Day!”

Markham, ON ~ Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti welcomes today’s announcement (April 22) of a province-wide ban on the sale and cosmetic use of pesticides.

“Markham recently passed one of the most progressive pesticide bylaws in the province. We are very pleased that Ontario is now taking this step to eliminate province-wide use of pesticides,” said Mayor Scarpitti.

Markham is a leader in eliminating the non-essential use of pesticides. The Town has been pesticide free on its parks and sportsfields for more than 15 years. Markham’s bylaw, which came into effect January 1, 2008, is the toughest in the Province. It regulates the outdoor use of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides on public and private lawns, trees and gardens. Bylaw violators can expect a fine of $360.

“Earlier this year, I called on the Province to ban the use of pesticides in all communities and now it’s happened,” said Councillor Erin Shapero, Chair of Markham’s Environment and Sustainability Committee. “The ban on the sale of pesticides is key to protecting our residents, our children and our environment. We will be healthier and safer because of it, not just in Markham, but across the Province. We will be pesticide free across the province by Earth Day next year.” Markham is encouraging the Province to provide flexibility in the coming legislation to allow municipalities to impose greater restrictions if they see fit.

Markham has initiated an education and enforcement program for its pesticide bylaw, offering residents, companies and lawn care providers information on natural lawn care practices and alternate products which can be used to maintain strong, healthy and safe lawns and gardens.

People who observe violations of Markham’s pesticide bylaw may report the matter to the Town for investigation by staff. To provide education and enforcement, the Town will have bylaw enforcement officers in the field during the summer to follow-up on complaints and help residents understand how they can comply with the bylaw.

Markham has also developed a hazardous waste program for the collection and proper disposal of pesticides. Information on the pesticide bylaw and program is available at www.markham.ca