The city of Owen Sound now has a pesticides bylaw.
The bylaw bans the use of cosmetic pesticides and will come into effect in October.
Councillor Bill Twaddle says the city looked at a number of other pesticides bylaws from across the country and feels this bylaw is very strong.
He says the pesticides bylaw review committee spent over 18 months studying the issue.
Twaddle says the bylaw sets a high standard for environmental protection.
He says the bylaw bans the use of pesticides except if the Medical Officer of Health determines the animal, plant or other organism is harmful to our health and safety.
Pesticides are also exempted when necessary for agricultural and food production, swimming pools, golf courses, greenhouses and nurseries.
Only a licensed applicator may apply pesticides, and may not apply pesicides within 2 metres of a property line, 5 metres of any bus stop, school, daycare or hospital and not during windy and rainy days.
Councillors Jim McManaman and Peter Lemon both voted against the bylaw.
McManaman says he supports the cosmetic ban of pesticides, he just wanted another clause in the bylaw to allow people to obtain a permit for those with severe infestations.
