BC Parents Seek Ban on Spraying Pesticides on School Playing Fields

"A Vernon parent is wondering why school playing fields are still being sprayed with pesticides as communities across the country have discontinued using chemicals to control weeds.

In a presentation to trustees at last month's district board meeting, Kerry Bokenfohr explained her concerns about the use of pesticides even as the Canadian Cancer Society has determined they are unsafe.

'I was completely shocked to find out they were still doing it,' she said....

Bokenfohr said there are now 154 cities and towns across Canada with partial or full bans on pesticide use, with most bylaws phased in to educate residents and businesses about less toxic use.

Both Ontario and Quebec now have province-wide legislation in place banning the use and sale of cosmetic pesticides."

Katherine Mortimer reports for the Vernon Morning Star August 15, 2009.