The District of Saanich Council voted in favour of adopting the pesticide bylaw No. 9054. This means that, pending final reading, residential pesticide use will no longer be permitted for purely cosmetic purposes. The effective date of the Pesticide Bylaw is May 1, 2010.

Frequently asked questions regarding the Pesticide Bylaw:

When does the bylaw come into effect?
What are the specifics of the bylaw?
Can I apply for an exemption?
What do you consider to be pests and pesticides?
Which pesticides are permitted under the bylaw?
Can I use fertilizers?
Why should we be concerned about using pesticides?
What are some natural ways to care for my lawn?
How will this bylaw be enforced?
How much are the fines?
What can I do if I am concerned about someone using pesticides?
How can I dispose of my old pesticides properly?

When does the bylaw come into effect?

The effective date of the proposed Pesticide Bylaw is May 1, 2010.

What are the specifics of the bylaw?

No person may apply or otherwise use pesticides for the purpose of maintaining outdoor trees, shrubs, flowers, other ornamental plants, and turf on residential land or public land.  

This restriction does not apply to the application of pesticides

• that are permitted pesticides as listed in Schedule “A”;
• for the management of pests that transmit human diseases or impact agriculture or forestry;
• on the residential areas of farms;
• to buildings or inside buildings; or
• on land used for agriculture, forestry, transportation, public utilities or pipelines unless the public utility or pipeline is vested in the municipality;
• or on land zoned commercial, institutional, or industrial;
• or by the District, on public land owned or held by the District of Saanich, when in accordance with council’s integrated pest management policy (03/166).

To view the bylaw in its entirety click here.

Can I apply for an exemption?

A person may apply to the manager of environmental services for a permit for the use of pesticides that are not on the permitted list: pest infestations that threaten the integrity of sensitive ecosystems or pose a serious economic loss to an owner or occupier of land; or to control the spread of invasive species or noxious weeds; and is permitted pursuant to the integrated pest management act (British Columbia) and the integrated pest management regulation BC reg no. 604/2004.

What do you consider to be pests and pesticides?

Pest means an injurious, noxious, or troublesome living organism, but does not include a virus, bacteria, fungus or internal parasite that exists on or in humans or animals.

Pesticide is a general term for any substance designed to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate injurious, noxious, or troublesome living organisms. The term “pesticide” encompasses the more specific terms such as insecticides (for insects), herbicides (for plants) and fungicides (for fungus diseases). This includes:

• a plant growth regulator, plant defoliator or plant desiccant;
• a control product as defined in the Pest Control Products Act (Canada); and
• a substance that is classified as a pesticide by the Integrated Pest Management Act (British Columbia).

Which pesticides are permitted under the bylaw?

Permitted pesticide means a pesticide listed in Schedule "A" as defined in Schedule 2 of B.C. Regulation 604/2004 (Integrated Pest Management Regulation) as amended from time to time. Some highlights of the schedule are:

• acetic acid (vinegar in products like EcoClear as herbicides);
• corn gluten meal (acts as a natural herbicide used in turf weeds);
• methoprene (an insect growth regulator);
• botanically derived pesticides such as pyrethrins and rotenone;
• insect bait stations and pheromones;
• insecticidal or herbicidal soaps;
• mineral oils; and
• sulphurs, ferrous sulphate (moss killer).

Please refer to the schedule of permitted pesticides for specific information.

Traditional products containing synthetic chemicals including glyphosate (as found in products such as Roundup, Sidekick, and many others), 2,4-D (such as Weed n’ Feed, Killex, etc.), Malathion, Carbaryl (such as Sevin), and Diazinon are some of the more common pesticides that are not permitted for general use.  Note that the example product names given are only a sample of popular brands.  Residents should check products for their ingredients or chemical content.

Can I use fertilizers?

Yes, if the fertilizer does not contain any herbicides. Many weed and feed type products contain pesticides not permitted under the bylaw. Read the label and check with the retailer. Natural fertilizers, made of organic compost, are your best option as they increase soil health so your lawn can outcompete the weeds.

Why should we be concerned about using pesticides?

The risks associated with the use of pesticides include impacts to human health, non-target plants and animals (including pets), pollution of watercourses, and long-term contamination of soil and groundwater. Research has demonstrated links between pesticide exposure and several types of cancer, as well as hormone disruption. Young children are at greater risk from the effects of pesticides due to their undeveloped immune systems, more permeable skin, and behaviours (e.g. playing on lawns, putting objects in their mouths). The Canadian Cancer Society has documented a growing body of evidence showing a link between the use of pesticides and an increased risk of cancer.

Pesticide use contributes to the cumulative chemical impact on the natural environment. These chemicals are not easily confined to a single location, and as they move through the air, water, and land, there can be many unforeseen impacts to plants and animals throughout those ecosystems. The District of Saanich supports the “precautionary principle” regarding pesticides; being pro-active in reducing the possible threats to human health and the natural environment.

What are some natural ways to care for my lawn?

• Mow on a high setting to shade out weeds, conserve moisture in the soil and promote root development. Reduce your carbon emissions by using a reel-type (non-motorized) mower.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn. This helps retain soil moisture, and clippings are a good source of fertilizer for your lawn.
• Water wisely - only 1” (2.5 cm) per week.  Better yet, save money and time by letting your lawn go brown in dry weather.  
• Aerate and de-thatch as needed to promote water retention and air circulation.
• Take leftover pesticides to an authorized dealer or Hartland Landfill for safe disposal.
• Please visit the CRD website for more information.

How will this bylaw be enforced?

As of May 1, 2010 Saanich residents are not permitted to use any pesticide products that are not on the Permitted Pesticide list. The first approach to this bylaw will be educational. A second offence will be followed by a warning ticket, and then a fine if required.

How much are the fines?

A person who commits an offence is liable on summary conviction to a minimum fine of $250 and a maximum fine not exceeding $10,000.

What can I do if I am concerned about someone using pesticides?

If you are concerned about the possible application of a pesticide for non-essential use, contact the District of Saanich Bylaw Office at 250-475-5456.

How can I dispose of my old pesticides properly?