The City of Colwood will no longer allow pesticides for residential and commercial use without a permit as of March 11.

According to an email from Colwood Coun. Misty Olsen, their toxic nature motivated the ban of these harmful chemicals.

Residents were asked to give feedback regarding the use of pesticides throughout the fall of 2023, with 64 percent of participants agreeing that restrictions were needed.

Olsen said they anticipate the bylaw is scheduled for adoption at the next council meeting on March 25.

The city will use education to inform the public of the bylaw and exploring options for those who continue to use pesticdies, said Olsen.

The maximum fine for extreme cases of wrongful use would be $50,000 for each day the offence continues.

At the March 11 City of Colwood council meeting, Olsen said these changes would lead the way on the West Shore in environmental stewardship.

The journey to limit pesticides began in October 2022 after a Colwood resident contacted Olsen to express concerns about the toxic chemicals.

Olsen said boiling water would do the job that most pesticides are used for and suggested a cocktail of diluted white vinegar, salt and dish soap for the toughest weeds.

According to the Colwood Guidelines for Pesticide Use, it does not apply to agriculture, pests inside buildings or managing pesticides that transmit human disease.

The city has not prohibited several pesticides as part of the .

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