FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2007

VAUGHAN COUNCILLOR INTRODUCES PESTICIDE RESTRICTION ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

City of Vaughan Councillor Alan Shefman today introduced a recommendation to the Committee of the Whole that may result in Vaughan becoming one of the over 200 municipalities in Canada banning the cosmetic use of pesticides.

The motion calls for staff to submit a bylaw outlining the new policies and bylaws by May 1, 2007. An implementation plan is also being requested.

Councillor Shefman stated that: "This is a natural progression for Vaughan. As early as 2001, the City began to phase out pesticides in our parks and we were pesticide free by 2005. With all the evidence before us it is only sensible to extend the ban throughout the city. The health of our residents is too important to allow more pollutants into our environment for purely cosmetic purposes."

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