Kelowna

Kelowna residents who wish to be informed when pesticide spraying occurs close to their homes are asked to register with the City of Kelowna’s Pesticide Notification Registry before March 15.

Photo: CTV

“Since certified applicants are still able to apply chemical pesticides, we want to make sure residents have the option of knowing when spaying is taking place in their area,” says Environment and Land Use Manager, Todd Cashin.

“This is a valuable service for those who want to minimize their exposure to pesticides.”

Residents must sign up each year for the registry to be kept accurate and up-to-date. Those included in the 2012 registry must register again if they wish to be included in this year’s notification program.

The City’s pesticide bylaw came into effect Jan. 1, 2009 and it restricts the use of non-essential pesticides by homeowners on residential properties. Pesticide applicators who are provincially certified can apply to be exempt from the bylaw.

Registrants are notified by commercial spray operators on the day before or the same day as the pesticide is applied to abutting residential properties. The registry notification does not cover pesticide application on agricultural properties.

Residents can register online by providing their name, street address, postal code, phone number, email address, preference for same-day or day before notification and reasons for registering.

Alternately, residents can register by calling the Commercial Pesticide Notification Registry Hotline at 250-469-8556, faxing 250-862-3314 or mailing applications to the City of Kelowna Development Services, 1435 Water Street Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 1J4.

For more information, to register online or to inquire about Pesticide Free educational items, visit here.