By Charlene Tebbutt

City to look at alternatives to pesticides

Oct 6, 2018 | 1:00 PM

The City will review its use of pesticides over the winter with a report on the issue expected to come back to local councillors in the spring.

Ward 1 Coun. Charlene Miller introduced a motion this week for the City to stop using pesticides completely. Miller said pesticide use in the city is concerning because it not only affects humans, but water, fish and birds as well.

Miller was backed by local resident Estelle Hjertaas, who spoke to council earlier this week, urging them to stop using chemicals across the city.

Hjertaas said Prince Albert is one of the few communities to still use pesticides on a regular basis. Landscaping, planting clover or using hot water are other, more environmentally-friendly ways to eradicate weeds, she said.

“If you have healthy grass, you’re not going to have weeds,” Hjertaas told council.

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Many councillors were supportive of the idea to stop using pesticides but questioned the costs around alternatives. Ward 5 Councillor Dennis Ogrodnick said residents in his area would also be upset if weeds were not properly maintained.

Dennis Nowoselsky, who represents Ward 7, said the report is a step in the right direction and said taking care of weeds will promote pride amongst residents.

“You got to start maintaining and keeping healthy city property,” Nowoselsky added.

In a recorded vote, Council voted 6-3 to send the issue to the community services department for a report looking at both alternatives to pesticides and their costs.

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt