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Maple Ridge backs B.C. pesticide ban

B.C. pesticide ban

Maple Ridge council is lending its support to the Canadian Cancer Society’s campaign to ban cosmetic pesticides across B.C.

Politicians approved sending the letter to Environment Minister Terry Lake.

Maple Ridge passed its own bylaw banning cosmetic pesticides four years ago. Any body who wants to use pesticides has to take out a permit to make their case for using the chemicals. A  $60 fee is also charged.

So far, 38 cities across B.C. have passed such bylaws. The ministry has also undertaken a 60-day consultation period and received more than 8,000 comments, most favouring a ban.

A poll by the Canadian Cancer Society showed that more than 70 per cent of British Columbians support such a ban and that 76 per cent are aware of a link between pesticides and cancer.

The society wants the ban in place by Nov. 30.