“It’s the Wild West”: harmful pesticides on Quebec lawns

The spreading of harmful pesticides on the lawns of citizens of Quebec City continued briskly last summer even though it is now prohibited, reveals a report obtained by our Bureau of Investigation.

• Also read: Quebec City: regulation banning pesticides about to be adopted

A series of inspections and interventions carried out by the City suggest that several companies specializing in lawn maintenance have committed multiple violations of the new pesticide by-law, the document suggests.

“It’s the Wild West,” a source sums up despondently.

Adopted in 2023, this municipal regulation has prohibited, since last summer, the use of non-organic pesticides throughout the City’s territory in addition to better regulating the companies working in the field (see below).

During the last summer months, therefore, a brigade as well as inspectors from the City of Quebec went into the field to raise awareness among citizens and businesses of the regulation.

Their first results are, however, worrying.

Health issues

Products not approved by Health Canada for the treatment of lawns were used, according to some 800 labels affixed by the companies on citizens’ lands. These pesticides can represent challenges for human or environmental health.

The analysis of four samples also made it possible to discover that in half of the cases, a synthetic herbicide banned by the City had been used.

Faced with the situation, eight reports were made to the Quebec Ministry of the Environment. Three others were housed at Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).

“There are companies that are exemplary… But there are others that have a lot of work to do,” we are told.

“Companies little questioned”

In its report, the City also notes that pest management companies feel “little concerned” by the regulations and that citizens circumvent the rules in force, thanks to the online purchase of prohibited products. What’s more, workers in the field do not always have the required skills.

“The transition to biopesticides is taking place slowly”, rules the City, which considers that “collaboration and awareness have their limits” and that its new regulations were therefore “essential”.

Towards fines

The City, which has given itself until 2026 for only biopesticides to be used on its territory, has shown itself to be tolerant towards the recalcitrant.

Around forty notices were sent by email or telephone to delinquent individuals or businesses. Only one report was given to a company which refused to register, as now provided for in the regulation.

The distribution of tickets in the event of violations must begin next summer.

The regulation on pesticides in Quebec

• Prohibits the exterior application of all synthetic pesticides on the territory, including neonicotinoids, which are harmful to bees.
• Prohibits the sale of certain pesticides, including those containing glyphosate (Roundup).
• Authorizes biopesticides approved and recognized as presenting less risk to health and the environment.
• Exceptions apply, notably on golf courses and agricultural operations, as well as for cases of infestation.
• Pest management companies must register with the City of Quebec and obtain their registration certificate. By 2024, 55 companies and six golf courses have done so.
• Companies must apply for a temporary permit if they wish to use pesticides that would normally be prohibited, for each targeted treatment.
• A display detailing in particular the active ingredient used for the treatment is mandatory.
• In the event of an infraction, fines vary between $500 and $2,000. In the event of a repeat offense, they can go up to $4,000.