N.S. municipalities want cosmetic pesticide ban

The Nova Scotia government is considering a request by municipalities for a provincewide ban on chemicals used solely to improve the appearance of lawns.

Currently, only the Halifax Regional Municipality has the authority to impose restrictions on cosmetic pesticides.

Wolfville Mayor Bob Stead, who is leading the charge for the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, said the goal is to get the province to bring in blanket restrictions to cover all communities.

"If individual municipal units would wish then to pass bylaws in excess of that, they should have the legislative authority to do that, and that would require changing the [Municipal Government Act]," said Stead.

Nova Scotia's neighbours are moving ahead with their own plans. New Brunswick is banning the sale and use of more than 200 over-the-counter pesticides. Prince Edward Island is working on similar legislation for next year.

Ramona Jennex, Nova Scotia's minister of municipal relations, said the matter is under review.

"We are listening to the recommendations that were brought forward by the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and we are listening to people in the province," said Jennex. "Things are cooking."

Jennex is tight-lipped about the details of the review, which involves the departments of Health and Environment.

Even if restrictions on cosmetic pesticides are adopted in Nova Scotia, they would not affect land zoned for agriculture or forestry.

The Canadian Cancer Society in New Brunswick has criticized that province's move, saying it should have completely banned lawn-care pesticides.