Weed Spray Regulations

Who is subject to fines as of September 1, 2007?
Anybody applying pesticides in the City of Toronto is subject to fines of up to $5000.00. This includes home owners and renters, lawn care companies, commercial or multi-residential property managers, the City and the City’s contractors.

What are the fines for non-compliance with the Pesticide Bylaw?
Fines can range anywhere from $255.00 to $5000.00, depending on the circumstances. A Public Health Inspector might either issue a ticket or serve a summons for non-compliance. A ticket has a set fine of $255.00. Under the Provincial Offences Act, a summons can carry a fine, on conviction, of up to $5,000.00. The exact amount of the fine would be determined in court.

If I hire a lawn care company for my home, can I get a fine too? 
Yes. As of September 1, 2007, you could receive a fine if the company you hired violates the bylaw. Talk to your lawn care company before hiring them to do work. Make sure they are aware of the bylaw and that they know you are aware of it.

If I hire a lawn care company for my business, can I get a fine too?
Yes. If you own or operate an institutional, commercial or multi-residential property and authorize a lawn care company to apply pesticides, you could receive a fine if the company violates the bylaw.

Are there any special circumstances that would allow me to use pesticides?
The bylaw allows the use of pesticides to control or destroy a pest infestation to property. An infestation is defined in the bylaw as "the presence of pests in numbers or under conditions which involve an immediate or potential risk of substantial loss or damage."
The City does not consider weeds or common fungal diseases in lawns an infestation. Hand weeding, proper watering, mowing, applying compost and fertilizer and sowing grass seed should make your lawn thick and deep-rooted, which will reduce dandelions and other weeds.

How can I manage weeds and insects without pesticides?
You can replace pesticide use with a natural approach that improves the health of your lawn and garden.
The by-law allows the use of pesticides to control or destroy a pest infestation to property. The City does not consider weeds or common fungal diseases in lawns an infestation.

If pesticides are legal to buy in stores, why aren't they legal to use?
Since there is a risk that harm may result from exposure to pesticides, the City has passed the bylaw to protect the health, safety and well-being of City of Toronto residents. It bans the use of pesticides in most circumstances, but it does not ban pesticides entirely. They may still be used in the circumstances listed in the bylaw, such as to control termites or destroy a health hazard.

Have any other cities passed pesticide bylaws?
Yes. Over 125 cities and towns across Canada, including Halifax and Montreal, have passed bylaws to restrict pesticides. Several Ontario municipalities, such as London, Oakville and Peterborough, have passed such bylaws.