By KISS News Staff

Provincial pesticide changes approved

Dec 15, 2015 | 2:32 PM

VICTORIA — The B.C. government has approved changes to the way pesticides are dealt with, but the new measures won’t take effect until next summer.

The changes will require a pesticide user license for commercial properties and 
service providers, or a certificate for residents to apply most pesticides in private landscaped areas.

Another new rule will require most domestic-class pesticides to be displayed “behind the counter” so consumers can’t access to them without the 
assistance of a certified dispenser.

Environment Minister Mary Polak says the changes will take effect July 1st, giving stakeholders and the public time to review the measures and come into compliance with them.

The amendments to the Integrated Pest Management Regulation include the following:

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* Requiring a pesticide user licence (for commercial properties and service providers) or certificate (for residents) to apply most pesticides in private landscaped areas.

* Establishing a list of pesticides (called Schedule 5) that can be used in landscaped areas without a license or certificate.

* Requiring residents/public to be notified about use on private land in specific situations.

* Requiring most domestic-class pesticides to be displayed “behind the counter” so consumers cannot access to them without the assistance of a certified dispenser.

Commercial properties will require a pesticide user non-service license which will cost $250 per year. However, homeowners will be able to take a free online course and exam to earn a certificate to use pesticides on landscaped areas of their property. Alternatively, commercial and residential property owners can choose to hire a licensed service company.

Property owners will not be required to have a certificate if they want to use domestic-class pesticides on food gardens or hobby farms, or to control pests such as rodents or carpenter ants that damage buildings.

The amendments to the IPMR will also require businesses to give notice when pesticides are used on private property which the public may access. This includes private golf courses, cemeteries and commercial facilities.

For more information, click here.