Pesticide Use in the City

Thank you to those who shared their thoughts on pesticide use in the city. 

The City of Regina is exploring options to regulate pesticide use inside city limits. 

For context, here are the definitions we are using to inform the discussion.

What is a pesticide? 

A pesticide is any product that is intended to kill something unwanted, whether it’s an insect, weed or rodent.  

Pesticides can include:  

  • Herbicide – Intended to kill a plant 
  • Insecticide – Intended to kill an insect 
  • Fungicide – intended to kill a fungus 
  • Avicide – intended to kill a bird 
  • Rodenticide – intended to kill a rodent 

Cosmetic pesticides are defined as non-essential and used for aesthetic purposes.  

Why is the City discussing pesticides now?  

On April 20, 2022, City Council requested that City Administration explore the possibility of regulating and/or banning cosmetic pesticide use in Regina.  

The University of Regina has been contracted to research pesticide bans including what is being done in other parts of Canada.  

The final report with the University of Regina research, along with stakeholder and survey feedback, will be presented by City Administration to Executive Committee and City Council early in 2023.     

What’s being asked of the public?  

In August, the City hosted stakeholder engagement sessions. Different businesses, groups and associations had an opportunity to speak about what a pesticide ban would mean to them and to ask questions. 

Residents can now provide input through the public survey below. 

The City of Regina is exploring options to regulate pesticide use inside city limits. 

For context, here are the definitions we are using to inform the discussion.

What is a pesticide? 

A pesticide is any product that is intended to kill something unwanted, whether it’s an insect, weed or rodent.  

Pesticides can include:  

  • Herbicide – Intended to kill a plant 
  • Insecticide – Intended to kill an insect 
  • Fungicide – intended to kill a fungus 
  • Avicide – intended to kill a bird 
  • Rodenticide – intended to kill a rodent 

Cosmetic pesticides are defined as non-essential and used for aesthetic purposes.  

Why is the City discussing pesticides now?  

On April 20, 2022, City Council requested that City Administration explore the possibility of regulating and/or banning cosmetic pesticide use in Regina.  

The University of Regina has been contracted to research pesticide bans including what is being done in other parts of Canada.  

The final report with the University of Regina research, along with stakeholder and survey feedback, will be presented by City Administration to Executive Committee and City Council early in 2023.     

What’s being asked of the public?  

In August, the City hosted stakeholder engagement sessions. Different businesses, groups and associations had an opportunity to speak about what a pesticide ban would mean to them and to ask questions. 

Residents can now provide input through the public survey below. 

Thank you to those who shared their thoughts on pesticide use in the city. 

  • Glossary

    Cosmetic Pesticide: Non-essential use of pesticides strictly for aesthetic purposes.

    Pesticide: Is any substance that is intended to kill something unwanted. This includes a variety of other subgroups including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, avicides rodenticides.

    · Herbicide – Intended to kill a plant

    · Insecticide – Intended to kill an insect

    · Fungicide – intended to kill a fungus

    · Avicide – intended to kill a bird

    · Rodenticide – intended to kill a rodent

    Biologicals: The use of living organisms (parasites, predators, pathogens) to eliminate, reduce or maintain pest populations to acceptable levels.

    Cultural: Management practices that focus on the prevention of pests by use of proper planting, pruning, mulching, and sanitation practices.

    Mechanical interruption:

    · Mouse traps

    · Sticky traps like tree bands