New Vancouver By Law Restricts Use on Lawns and Gardens - Media Are Invited to Learn More

April 3, 2006 (No. 9) - With gardening season upon us, the City of Vancouver, Park Board and Vancouver Coastal Health  are encouraging residents to "Get Their Yards Off Drugs!" New provisions of the City's Health By Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2006, restricts the application of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides on both private and public property. The media are invited to meet with Domenic Losito, Regional Director, Health Protection, Vancouver Coastal Health, who will explain what every resident needs to know about the new by law. Sophie Dessureault, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator for the Park Board, along with City Farmer  staff, will offer the top ten easy practices residents can use to get their yards off drugs.

Wednesday, April 5, 2006
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Vancouver Compost Demonstration Garden
(City Farmer)
2150 Maple Street (at 6th Avenue) 

Pesticide reduction is an important step in preserving the health of our communities and our families. Residents need to know that there are simple, easy alternatives to the standard pesticides they have been using on their lawns and gardens--whether it's controlling weeds on their lawns; dealing with a chafer beetle infestation; stopping slugs from eating their lettuce or preventing black spot disease on their roses.

To find out more about the new by law, visit www.grownatural.ca

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For further information, contact: Carol DeFina, Communication Coordinator, at 604-257-8440.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

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