Q4: In 2003 Caledon was on the leading edge by passing the Healthy Horticultural   Landscapes By-Law. As more and more municipalities have passed Pesticide          By-Laws, Caledon’s appears to be lagging behind the newer by-laws.  Will you       support strengthening Caledon’s by-Law when it is voted on by Council in the  next term?

Regional Council Candidates:

Donna Cragg

"I believe the Healthy Horticultural Landscapes By-Law is an important aspect of the future of Caledon and areas beyond.  Our focus should be on educating the population of the benefits to them to ensure that healthy lawn care is the approach in demand.   Supply follows demand and as we see the healthy alternative become the socially acceptable norm the by-law adherence will become a non-issue. I will certainly support strengthening a by-law where education is a main commitment."

Dave Tatla

No reply.

Allan Thompson

"No, I will not strengthen Caledon’s by-law as I do not believe that it needs to be made stronger." 

"Landscape Ontario, the horticultural trades association with a mandate to represent, promote and foster “a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario” has implemented the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program and commercial applicators must adhere to very strict enforcements and undergo extensive certification, training and professional development to ensure they practicing and applying chemical application in the best manner.  That is well regulated and Landscape Ontario are doing that well."

"What we need to do is approach this issue smartly." 

"Proper education needs to be a critical part of our municipality’s pesticide enforcement.  Products are available to consumers in retail outlets and what we may want to consider, if there are a products of concern, is to lobby the government to have those products of concern removed from retail point of purchase.  I would support the practice of having commercial products available for consumer purchase already pre-mixed for the homeowners so that in home application they are being used with the appropriate strength." 

"We cannot remove all products from retail point of sale as we need to allow homeowners the opportunity to deal with infestations, should they occur.  The failure to adequately respond in a timely fashion to infestations would only manifest itself into a larger problem for that homeowner or its neighbours."

Area Council Candidates:

Gord McClure

No reply

Stephen Townsend

"My first reaction is to state I would support a strengthened Pesticide By-Law in Caledon.  However, I would like to be able to see all the facts of any staff report prior to saying so absolutely!  After all, any decision must be made with all the facts available, plus I want to make sure I consider input from those in my ward."