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  • Find out about alternatives to pesticides here.
  • Learn how to pick an environmentally friendly lawn care company here.
  • Click here for a comprehensive list of print resources about organic gardening.

Pesticides in Ottawa

The Ontario College of Family Physicians completed a comprehensive review of research in 2004 on the effects of pesticides on human health. Their report showed links to cancer, reproductive problems, and neurological diseases, with children being particularly vulnerable to pesticides. As a result, we are being encouraged to limit our exposure to pesticides wherever possible.

Despite this advice, the City of Ottawa still allows pesticides to be used on private property. The City’s Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee voted in 2005 to support a pesticide bylaw. Unfortunately, Council voted against the recommendation. Ottawa needs to catch up to Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Montreal, and over 130* other Canadian municipalities, as well as the Province of Quebec, that now protect citizens from unwanted exposure to these ubiquitous lawn care toxins. For more information, visit the website of the Coalition for a Healthy Ottawa.