City Cosmetic Pesticide Free Since 1998

The City of St. John's has not used any cosmetic pesticides in its playgrounds and sport facilities since 1998 and has been a leader in the province in calling for a ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides.

"It was very disappointing to see the images of the Tordon Players in Bannerman Park as I feel that has given residents the wrong impression that we are using pesticides in our playgrounds, which we do not do," says Mayor Dennis O'Keefe. "The City has been a leader in support of a ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides in this province. While we also support residents freedom to protest, if this group was protesting the province's use of Tordon 101 on provincial highways, then Bannerman Park was a very inappropriate backdrop, particularly a children's playground."

The City of St. John's has well over 100 outdoor recreation and playground facilities, which are all maintained without the use of cosmetic pesticides. The City has advocated for the ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides with the province and has been leading by example in its own outdoor facilities.

"It has been 15 years since we have used any type of cosmetic pesticide at city facilities and I must commend our staff in the Public Works and Parks Department because our facilities are beautiful and incredibly well maintained," adds Mayor O'Keefe. "The lawns, sporting fields and gardens we have throughout the City are a testimony to the fact that you do not need to use cosmetic pesticides to achieve outstanding landscaping."

For further information:
Jennifer Mills
Communications Officer
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 570-2037
Cell: (709) 690-7586
E-mail: jmills@stjohns.ca

Dennis O'Keefe
Mayor
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 576-8477
E-mail: dokeefe@stjohns.ca