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Pesticide use in Okanagan park prompts warning

Civilian goes out of his way to post caution signs
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The public is being warned about pesticide use at Lakers Park, which is popular with dog owners. (Submitted Photo)

A Vernon man has gone out of his way to warn dog owners and parents about pesticide use.

The man (who wished not to be named) was looking forward to a round of disc golf at Lakers Park Tuesday morning when he saw someone spraying glysophosphate (Roundup) on the private side of the path next to the park.

See: Health Canada upholds decision to keep glyphosate products on the market

“This is a very popular park and there’s lots of people walking their dogs,” he said. “But the dogs and dog owners don’t know it’s been sprayed.”

“This is also a sensitive riparian area where turtles frogs and snakes live very close to the marshy area only 40 m away.”

So he took it upon himself to purchase some signs from a local hardware store, write a note of caution, and place them at the park.

He did contact the City of Vernon’s bylaw department but was informed there is no bylaw controlling pesticide use.

See: City to contemplate cosmetic pesticide reduction

“We have no bylaws to protect our animals and pets,” he said, noting that some landscaping companies do post warnings when pesticides are used.


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Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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