Georgina's Bylaw

Georgina's Pesticide Reduction Strategy

How will Georgina's Pesticide Bylaw affect me?

The Pesticide Bylaw is the Town of Georgina's response to growing public concern about pesticide use. Georgina is joining more than 125 other cities and municipalities across Canada in enacting a bylaw against pesticides.
The Bylaw restricts the outdoor use of pesticides on public and private property in Georgina. The bylaw will come into effect March 1, 2008, and applies to anyone who uses pesticides outdoors, including homeowners, renters, lawn care companies and property managers.


Why Does Georgina Need a Pesticide By-law?
The use of pesticides on lawns and gardens in Georgina presents risk to the health and safety of our families and our environment. Scientists have identified links between exposure to pesticides and health problems, including harm to reproductive and nervous systems. Children, pets and some adults are particularly sensitive to the effects of pesticides. Pesticides also wash off lawns and gardens and run into Lake Simcoe.


What are the Restrictions of the By-law?
The By-law will restrict the use of outdoor pesticides on public and private property in Georgina.
Effective March 1, 2008, the regulations will apply to anyone who uses pesticides outdoors, including homeowners, renters, lawn care companies and property managers.


What is a Pesticide?
Pesticides are chemical products used to kill, control, or prevent the development of insects, plants, and plant disease. Common products including Killex, Weed n' Feed and Round-up are all considered pesticides. The by-law does allow the use of certain lower risk products on lawns and gardens.


Are there Situations where Pesticides will be permitted?
Exemptions exist, permitting the use of pesticides for public safety, health, infestations and agriculture. A variety of available natural products are permitted under the By-law.


What if I can't control a serious pest problem?
The by-law permits the use of pesticides to control or destroy pests that have caused an infestation. The Town does not consider weeds and common fungal diseases in lawns an infestation.


What is an Infestation?
An infestation is defined in the by-law, based on that defined by the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs as "the presence of pests in numbers or under conditions which involve an immediate or potential risk of substantial loss or damage." Numerical Standards can be obtained through the town of Georgina and are indicated within this guide for certain pests. A permit must be obtained from the Town of Georgina in order to apply pesticides.


What about Weeds?
Weeds are not considered in the standards defining an infestation. Hand weeding, proper watering, mowing, applying compost and fertilizer and sowing grass seed should make your lawn thick and deep-rooted, which will reduce dandelions and other weeds.


Can I still use my lawn care company?
Yes, but your lawn care company must abide by the pesticide by-law. Talk to your lawn care or landscaping company BEFORE you begin or renew your contract. Some of the questions you might ask the company are whether they are aware of the pesticide by-law and whether the lawn care services they provide comply with the by-law.