WHEREAS: many health organizations (e.g. the Ontario College of Family Physicians) and prominent Ottawa doctors advise avoiding
pesticides*, particularly for children, due to their health impacts;
WHEREAS: turf pesticides were detected at all locations sampled in 2003, in the Rideau River and tributaries, and some samples were above the
provincial standard for protection of aquatic species;
WHEREAS: chemical pesticides are harmful to human health and the environment;
WHEREAS: chemical pesticides are unnecessary because sustainable, healthy and effective alternatives are available;
WHEREAS: the City of Ottawa has traditionally only used pesticides to protect Public Health, and promotes pesticide-reduction with a public
education program addressing sustainable and safe lawn and garden maintenance practices; and
WHEREAS: half of Ottawa's sports fields are adjacent to schools, which are committed to pesticide-free grounds maintenance
WE, the undersigned, petition the City of Ottawa as follows:
The City of Ottawa reaffirms its pesticide-free sports fields maintenance policy.