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On February 18th, 2008 Whistler Council took another step along our journey to sustainability by formally banning the nonessential and cosmetic use of pesticides within the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
The new regulations as outlined within Bylaw no 1822, 2007 will take effect as follows:
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Applicable Lands |
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Feb. 18, 2008
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for all property held entirely or in part by the RMOW |
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Dec 31, 2008
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on private lands that are used partially or entirely for residential purposes |
What is being Regulated?
The pesticides most commonly used on lawns and gardens include herbicides (for killing weeds and plants), fungicides (for destroying fungi), and insecticides (for killing insects). Through this bylaw, only those permitted pesticides listed within the Provincial Integrated Pest Management Regulation will be exempted from this regulation and approved for ongoing use. View the entire bylaw to review a detailed list of permitted pesticides or to review approved exemptions to this bylaw:
 RMOW Bylaw No. 1822, 2007 59.49 Kb 
Why Regulate Pesticide Use?
 Many residents are worried about both the health impacts of pesticide use as well as the cumulative impact the resultant chemical loading is having on our local ecology (Whistler Sustainability Objective #2).
Canadian research has shown consistent links between pesticide exposure and serious illnesses such as cancer, reproductive problems and neurological diseases, among others. Importantly, although their review found consistent evidence of the health risks to patients with exposure to pesticides, it specifically highlighted the fact that children are particularly vulnerable to pesticide exposure*.
For many of these reasons, many community representatives involved on Whistler2020 task forces (especially, Health & Social, Natural Areas, Water and the Built Environment) have been supporting this type of regulation for the last few years.
For further information, the following document provides a list of the human health impacts associated with a selection of common lawn pesticides as well as available horticultural alternatives for each.
Pesticides Used in Our Communities – Human Health and Environmental Impacts 33.98 Kb
What is the Regulation?
Basically, unless permitted or exempted in accordance with this bylaw, no person shall apply, or cause or permit the application or use of a pesticide on private lands or public lands for cosmetic purposes with the boundaries of the RMOW. For additional detail, including a list of permitted pesticides within the bylaw, click the following link:
RMOW Bylaw No. 1822, 2007 59.49 Kb
How will the Bylaw be Enforced?
Anyone who applies pesticides for uses restricted by this bylaw is potentially affected by this bylaw - this includes homeowners, renters, landscape professionals and yard care companies. If you are unsure, call the Environmental Services Department at 604-935-8190, or email the Manager of Environmental Stewardship at
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The Municipal Ticket Bylaw enables RMOW bylaw officers to ticket residents and businesses that t regulation (fines for non-compliance are $250). To report potential bylaw infractions, contact the Whistler Bylaw department at 604-935-8280.
As of the end of 2007, over 100 communities in Canada have enacted, or are in the process of developing similar pesticide regulations. Currently in British Columbia, 12 other municipalities have similar pesticide regulation bylaws either fully adopted or in draft form (examples include: Vancouver, Maple Ridge (District), North Vancouver (City), West Vancouver, Port Moody, Comox, Gibsons, and Cumberland).
What are the Alternatives?
Generally, the best protection that you can offer your lawn and garden against pests and disease is to start with a wide variety of plants – preferring disease resistant native species, providing good growing conditions, and inspecting regularly for pests and diseases. For general tips on pesticide-free gardening, visit the solutions page at: organicgardening.com
Ask A Local Expert a Question
Learn about successful, locally-available alternatives to banned pesiticides. Draw on the time-tested experience of either the RMOW horticultural staff or the Whistler Garden Club, by clicking on the links below:
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If you have a specific question about
alternatives that work well in Whistler
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email the
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For even more locally-grounded advice
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email the
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Finally, for more information on the rationale and policy support for this bylaw, the following resources are provided:
Adminstrative Report to Council (Pesticide Regs) - Nov 19, 2007 590.26 Kb
Letter of Support - Vancouver Coastal Health 170.38 Kb
Presentation to Council - Pesticide Regulation - Nov 19, 2007 756.26 Kb
* Ontario College of Family Physicians, April, 2004, Comprehensive Review of Pesticide Research Confirms Dangers - Family doctors highlight link between pesticide exposure and serious illnesses and disease; children particularly vulnerable. http://www.cfpc.ca/local/files/Communications/Current%20Issues/Pesticides/News%20Release.pdf
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To find out more,
