Pesticide Reduction is Hip!

Nov. 26, 2002

Kingston, Ont. -- The Kyoto Protocol is not the only issue to garner "Hip" support, Tragically Hip, that is. The issue of pesticide reduction in Kingston now has its newest supporter, Rob Baker, bass player for the Tragically Hip.

The members of the Tragically Hip are Kingston's most famous musical sons, and many of the member still call this historic town home. This is certainly true of Rob Baker and his family. As a father, he is deeply concerned with local environmental matters that have an impact on his children's health. As a result, in June of 2002, Baker enthusiastically signed onto Pesticide Reduction Kingston's (PRK) petition campaign to urge city council to introduce a by-law restricting pesticide use within city limits.

"Quite frankly, I can't believe that the city already hasn't done somthing about this. I don't use pesticides, and I don't intend to.", says Baker.

Baker is now one of the many hundreds of Kingstonians from all twelve districts who have signed PRK's growing petition. "The response has been overwhelming, and we estimate that around 75% of people who come to the door, sign the petition", says Nabil Mailloux, PRK Spokesperson and Organizer. The petition is scheduled to be presented to council in the new year along with a draft by-law for councillors to consider.

Local business person and PRK Organizer, Chris Van der Vyver has indicated that PRK "intends to make pesticide reduction an election issue in 2003, so councillors should pay attention to the petition results."

Report by Nabil Mailloux