Several Puslinch councillors have admitted roadside pesticide spraying may be overkill, but they stress residents have the right to opt out of the township service.
“I think that’s where the responsibility lies,” said councillor Matthew Bulmer of the residents’ choice to refuse the application of pesticides.
In recent weeks, The Advertiser received several letters to the editor from residents regarding the township’s annual roadside spraying program – both in support and in opposition – and several residents also contacted the township about the matter.
Councillor Dick Visser wondered if the spraying is necessary, but his concerns are based solely on need, not health issues.
“I’m really wondering if roadside spraying has become redundant,” Visser said, noting farmers spray their fields to catch noxious weeds anyway.
Bulmer agreed farmers have the same tools as the township to battle weeds.
Councillor Don McKay said if the township stopped spraying, it would likely get complaints about how “unsightly” its roadsides are in comparison to those of the county and province, which do spray pesticides.
“You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t,” said McKay.
Some residents have expressed concern the township’s spraying contravenes the provincial ban, which came into effect earlier this year. But the legislation prohibits spraying for cosmetic reasons, and the township, according to Mayor Brad Whitcombe, is spraying for noxious weeds only.
Whitcombe said the contractor used for spraying respects any “no spraying” signs posted throughout the municipality.
Visser added the provincial ban is aimed at catching the misapplication or over-application of pesticides, not responsible spraying. Council made no decision and had no further discussion on the matter.
