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An Overview for Residents
"Nature Works" is an education and awareness program developed by the Comox Valley Regional District that encourages the use of pesticide alternatives for municipalities with pesticide bylaws, and other areas that simply want to know more about creating pesticide-free lawns and gardens.
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Natural lawn care seasonal pocket guide
Utilize this new natural lawn care pocket guide for a healthy lawn all year round.
Which municipalities have pesticide bylaws?
Over 127 Canadian cities and towns have bylaws to ban pesticides. In the Comox Valley, the following municipalities have bylaws in place:
• Village of Cumberland
• Town of Comox
• City of Courtenay
What does this mean for homeowners?
You can no longer use traditional chemical-based pesticides or herbicides on your lawn or garden. The bylaws prohibit non-essential use of pesticides.
What happens if someone uses a pesticide?
It is an offence to use or allow the use of pesticides, except as permitted under the bylaws. For example, it would be an offence to apply a pesticide or herbicide to a residential lawn. Anyone using pesticides can be issued a ticket and fined by the bylaw enforcement officer from the town, city or village where they live.
Do these bylaws apply to all pesticides?
They apply to all pesticides except those that are listed as exempt in the bylaw. Exempt items include insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, pheromones, boric acid, nematodes, biological controls, sticky traps, lime, diatomaceous earth, and bait stations.
What can I use instead?
The best defense against needing to use pesticide is a healthy lawn and garden. Adding beneficial insects to your garden is also an option, as are low or non-toxic treatments. Ask your garden centre staff or landscaper about how to garden without pesticides.
Why can I still buy chemical pesticides?
The provincial and federal government regulates the sale of pesticides. They are not banned substances and as such, are still available for sale in many places.
How can I disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers?
Pesticides are considered a household hazardous waste (HHW). HHW is any toxic product located within your home that poses a threat to public health and environmental safety when handled, stored and/or disposed of improperly. Such items include: pesticides, paint, paint aerosols, flammable liquids, gasoline, etc.
When pesticides are no longer needed or cannot be applied because of the restrictions in the municipal bylaws, residents can dispose of their leftover products in an environmentally responsible way at the following locations:
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Where to bring pesticides
Drop off leftover pesticides at no charge at the following depots.
6700 Argonaut Road, Campbell River
Tel: 250-287-8530Open 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Campbell River waste management centre
493 Puntledge Road, Courtenay
Tel: 250-338-6013Hours: M-Th 8:30 – 5:0 p.m. and F-Sa 8:30 – 4:30p.m.
1580F Willow Street, Campbell River
Tel: 250-287-4224Hours: M –Sa – 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. and Su 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where can I learn more?
For more information attend one of our “Nature Works” events, visit the pesticide alternative gardens at the Compost Education Centre on Headquarters Road in Courtenay .
To view the pesticide bylaw for your municipality contact the City of Courtenay at 250-334-4441 or the Town of Comox at 250-339-2202 or the Village of Cumberland at 250-336-2291.
Pesticide Brochure