Originally published October 28 2005
Ottawa considers adopting bylaw to ban pesticide use
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In Ottawa, a proposed bylaw could ban the use of pesticides on most private property and take effect by 2007, if predictions about the city council's vote hold true.
The controversial bylaw proposing a pesticide ban goes to full council for a vote Wednesday, although Coun.
Rick Chiarelli would like it postponed and put to citizens in a referendum.
The bylaw would ban the cosmetic use of pesticides on most private property and go into effect in 2007, if the timeline recommended by staff is adopted.
Chiarelli and several other councillors remain opposed to the ban, while others are still on the fence.
If the vote does go ahead Wednesday, it's expected to be close.
At least one councillor is out of town and one chair is vacant, meaning there will be 20 votes cast.
Some councillors are predicting a win of 12-8 or even 11-9 for the pesticide ban.
But if the rules are weakened by amendments introduced at council, there are pro-ban councillors who might waiver, and even vote against a diluted bylaw.
Among them is the councillor for Rideau Ward, Glenn Brooks, who will introduce a motion to defer the vote until every councillor is present.
That could give the No forces more time to tinker with the bylaw.
Rick Chiarelli will call for the question to be placed on next fall's municipal election ballot.
"I've been contacted by a significant number of councillors who seem pretty excited by it, and I think it's going to have some support," he said.
A referendum next fall, said Chiarelli, wouldn't delay the bylaw, which isn't due to be implemented until 2007.
"Unfortunately this is a delay tactic," said Cullen, a supporter of the ban.
"It's got more to do with trying to avoid the inevitable than with trying to protect public health."
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