Strong Public Support for Restrictive Pesticide By-law

November 8, 2002

(Toronto) Seventy-two per cent of Toronto residents support a municipal by-law to restrict the use of cosmetic pesticides, according to a new survey released today by the Toronto Public Health department. A larger majority, 88%, supports restrictions on pesticide use around daycares, hospitals and homes for the aged.

Smaller World Communications conducted the telephone survey of 1,000 residents of the city for Toronto Public Health at the beginning of October. Despite significant public support for a by-law, City staff is recommending voluntary industry initiatives as the means to reduce the unnecessary use of pesticides.

"Given this depth of support, Toronto City Council would be cowardly if they don't act to restrict the unnecessary use of pesticides", says Janet May, spokesperson for Pesticide Free Ontario. "Although this survey was limited to Toronto residents, I would suspect that this support for a by-law reflects opinions in other Ontario municipalities."

The results of this poll were released as municipalities throughout Ontario debate the possibility of implementing pesticide by-laws.

"When will Kingston City council decide to ignore the chemical lawn care industry and listen instead to those they really represent - the residents of this community," says Chris Van der Vyver of Pesticide Reduction Kingston.

Pesticide Free Ontario is a network of over 100 groups and individuals working to eliminate the unnecessary use of pesticides in the province.

For more information:
Janet May, Pesticide Free Ontario
416 596-0660