Cosmetic pesticide ban passed by Cornwall

The Town of Cornwall has become the second community in P.E.I. to ban cosmetic pesticides.

The bylaw, passed Wednesday night, bans the use of non-domestic pesticides on any residential or commercial property in the town unless they only contain ingredients on a list of 40 allowable pesticides.

The bylaw is the same as the one passed by the Town of Stratford in August, which comes into effect Jan. 1.

The Cornwall ban does not apply to pesticides used to manage pests that transmit diseases or affect agriculture or forestry.

Golf courses, buildings, and land used for public utilities or pipelines are also exempt.

'Progressive thinking'

Fines for violations range from $1,000 to $5,000.

"I think it shows the progressive thinking of the council and the movement toward providing a safe environment and including all the issues that may happen in regards to the pesticide question. And council felt that it was just time that we acted on it," said Cornwall Mayor Minerva McCourt.

The town sees the new bylaw as a temporary measure.

It also passed a resolution calling on the provincial government to strengthen provincial legislation covering the application of pesticides and to accept the sole responsibility for regulating and enforcement of all legislation related to pesticides.

The cities of Summerside and Charlottetown have voted down similar bylaws in recent months.