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vCitizens 1obbyin~ for pesticide-fre~ By IRENE GENTLE __________________ The Champion j At Ieast two resîdents say they're bugged by the Town's use of pesticides to keep sports fields looking green and healthy. Residents Carol Gustafson and Bih Clifford made separate pcesen- tations to the Town's community services committee Monday to lobby for a pesticîde-free town. If that isn't possible, shey aaked that spraying be put off untîl the fou, when nouat kiddie sports leagues are tlsrough. But Use Town hos already drasti- cally reduced its use of pesticides, which includes insecticides, herbi- cides ond fungicides, said coordi- nator of operations Doug Thompton. Last year, lets tban 15 acres were sprayed to keep damag- ing insecta or weeds at bay, down from a high of 193.5 acres in 1990. And rural roadsides haven't seen spray for a decade, while spot spraying in flower beds bcd occurs only when necessary. To control pests without chemicals, Town staff have been using a series of techniques including seration, îm- galion, fertilîzation and mowing. But as s father of three, Mr. Clifford is hoping to tee pesticide use completely eliminated. "This issue in my view is about showing leadership," he aaid. He likened an outright ban of pesticides to that of smoking, not- ing that at one tinle taking ciga- rettes out of public buildings alto secmed impossible. He said bis appeal is based on a gut feeling that pesticides are bad for human health, bolstered by a growing body of medical and sci- entific evidence leaning in the same direction. "Spraying is an easy out. What good will it do.people to have nice- looking lawns if their health is affected?" asked Mr. Clifford. These chemicals are often broad- based killers - plants, buga and peuple.' Ms Gustafson came anned with a 300-name position opposing pet- ticides. "Doctors and tcientists whose primary concern is health are concerned. Children are espe- cially vulnerable becaute of their Town Milton growing systema." Currently, the Town posts signa warning of a spray 24 hours in advance. Notices that it has occurred are kept up for a further 48 hours. But that's flot enough, said Ms Gustafson. "These chemicals con be toxic for over a month," she said. "I feel if you can smell it, you've been exposed to it. You track t in on your ahoes." Theres no point in spraying sports fielda if the groupa who use them are against it, said Councillor Ron Furik. "If users dont have a problem with us flot using sprays on the field, why would the Town," he asked. "Are we getting pressure from user groupo?" User groupa are in favour of ton- ing down the use of pesticides, but they stili want quality turf, oesponded Mr. Thompson. But the Town docant take pesti- cide use lightly. promised Councillor Barry Lee. "Id like to assure you we take this seriously," he said. "We're using far, fac lesa than we've ever used, and in tome areat we've eliminated it." Last year, the Town spent $3.000 on pest spraying. The same amount has been allocated for 2000. But according to a Town staff report, rehabilitating an infested field could coat upwards of $lO,000. The Canadien Champion, Friday, March 10, 2000 - 15 It's your cail. $19 Motorola DPC t5te Aft.r mail-m rebat.. Dîgîjol PCS Ask us for datalît QUALCOMM QCP 2760 Prodo0 ras roi ha .0,Ioao torra ooodtooaaoplt Offar 0*5.01 o 01000. .ooioraal.o.oo Ureadlarra otarard 056 oççdOO 0.1 Thora .p.lv 0.0 Mot ~0* 0.1100*0 ar.Oad.-or.,taoi 0.11 Car.da Moloaiaoatada-oa't oi Motoo6 10 tod0o~~00 Ioda rot 0f toagorrrr 1.0 Ont aoa.I.tI. a1 tai Worldard talIMOOMO 1.0.00,. Wlr-Less Connections Une. 377 Main St. E. (905) 878-1113 B~N Wcrld a' iT'S îCHJ4I~îLEY~S 4T'H. BiVTHvkX Friday, March lOth until Sunday, March I 2th Charley and the gang would lîke to thank-you for a great 4 years Dave, Harvey, Eric & Charley want to TIIkNI( ~dILTON for 4 PAMTASTIC XrÂI~SU!~ & We would like to wish Bih, Diana, Nancy and ail our staff con tinued success in the Worlds Grea test Doghouse. i a, i~1 i q Corne on in and have a piece of Charley's Birthday Cake! $~ 55 ONTARMO ST. N., MILTON 878-6697 ~