Pesticides
Vaudreuil-Dorion has been a pesticide-free city since 2002. Only low-impact pesticides may be permitted in some cases and applied by contractors holding an annual registration certificate.
Harmful effects of pesticides
Synthetic pesticides are chemicals designed in the laboratory to destroy unwanted organisms. They contain toxic ingredients that have been linked to cancer. Children and animals are particularly vulnerable to pesticides because they’re smaller and spend more time outdoors. It's estimated that in a given pesticide application, only 1% reaches the targeted insects while the rest makes its way into the environment.
Regulations
By-Law 1556 on the Outdoor Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides states that no outdoor application of pesticides is permitted within the territory of the City except as provided for in the by-law.
Contractors wishing to apply low-impact pesticides—including TreeAzin® for controlling Emerald Ash Borer—or fertilizer in Vaudreuil-Dorion must have an annual certificate of registration issued by the City. Unregistered contractors could be fined $500 to $1,000 plus costs.
Note that the annual registration certificate does not replace the temporary application permit. This permit is in addition to the annual registration certificate when a specific situation requires the application of a pesticide other than a low-impact pesticide. Certificate applications must be made to the Environment Division.
Download the registration certificate application form.
For more information on how to obtain the certificate, call the Engineering and Environment Division at 450-455-3371, option 1.