Mississauga.ca - Residents

Ontario Cosmetic Pesticide Ban (New)

The new Ontario Cosmetic Pesticide Ban is now in effect. The law was passed on March 4, 2009 and took effect on April 22, 2009.

Under the new legislation, approximately 250 pesticide products are banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients are banned for cosmetic uses.

The intent of the new cosmetic pesticide ban is to encourage healthier, greener approaches to lawn and garden care.

Pesticides will only be available for purchase for public health and safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps or to control poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch. Biopesticides and lower-risk pesticides to control weeds and pests will also be available.

For detailed information regarding the new Ontario Cosmetic Pesticide Ban including fact sheets on What Homeowners and Gardeners Need to Know; What Licensed Exterminators (Landscape Class) Need to Know; Pesticide Regulations; Pesticide Act; Pesticide Classes and Database; Healthy Lawn and Garden Tips; disposal of pesticides and much more, visit the MOE's website at www.Ontario.ca/pesticideban or contact the Public Information Centre at:

Tel: 416-325-4000
TTY Line: 416-326-9236
e-mail: picemail.moe@ontario.ca

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is a process in which altered or degraded ecosystems are encouraged to regenerate into a more natural area consisting of native species.

The land is regenerated by encouraging grass to grow, trees to reseed themselves and native wildflowers to cultivate and flourish.

Benefits of Naturalization:

Improves Water Quality
Prevents Soil Erosion
Protection of Fragile River Valleys
Reduce Flooding in Flood Prone Zones
Support Areas Whose Ecosystems Require Special Protection and Preservation
Increase the Public's Awareness and Appreciation of the Natural Environment

The Recreation & Parks Division has been naturalizing areas along rivers and creeks for many years. In these areas you will find more trees, wildflowers and native fruit and flower bearing shrubs. Naturalization also encourages birds and animals to live in our urban environment.

Today the City's naturalization program encompasses approximately 2,000 acres of greenbelts, water courses , woodlots, steep banks and meadows in park areas. For more information call 905-896-5000.