THE city is looking into creating a bylaw that would restrict the use of cosmetic pesticides.
The move comes after local members of the Canadian Cancer Society asked city council for a ban Feb. 14, saying there is evidence supporting a link between pesticides and cancer.
Helen Owen, the society's regional fundraiser coordinator, said municipalities play an important role in cancer prevention by having the power to make and implement health-promoting bylaws.
“About half of all cancers can be prevented through a combination of healthy living and healthy public policies that create supportive environments,” she told council.
There are 185 communities in Canada that have pesticide bylaws, and 35 of them are in B.C., but Terrace would be the first in the northern region.
Councillor Carol Leclerc suggested the matter be referred to administration to develop a bylaw to ban the use of cosmetic pesticides in Terrace, and council agreed unanimously.
The cosmetic use of pesticides is when pesticides are used to enhance the appearance of private lawns and gardens.