City bans herbicide already approved by province

Regional councillors have narrowly voted to ban the use of a certain herbicide in HRM – but because it’s approved for use by the province, it will remain available in local stores.

Regional council has ruled in favour of a ban on a new herbicide – but it will still be available for purchase in HRM.

A staff report recommended adding a product known as FeHEDTA to the list of herbicides approved for use in HRM. The product, which contains chelated iron, is already approved for use by the provincial and federal governments.

However, councillors voted 11 to 10 against the staff recommendation, citing concerns about adding heavy metals to the environment.

Coun. Jennifer Watts (Quinpool-Connaught) added that the herbicide is used only to deal with benign weeds and not dangerous plants.

“It’s not dealing with an invasive species,” she said. “It’s dealing with dandelions, plants that occur in the natural environment that are not killign people. This is not an emergency situation where we need to be dealing with this.”

The staff report recommended against the use of FeHEDTA by municipal workers, saying plants like dandelions are beneficial for the maintenance of a healthy green space.

Coun. Barry Dalrymple (Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank) was one of the 10 councillors who voted against the ban, saying enough is enough.

“We’ve gone far enough,” he said. “People need something. They are tired of all governments over-reacting and just taking things way, way, way to the far limit on the other side.”

Staff members also pointed out that provincial regulations mean there are rules in place to govern the use of FeHEDTA – sold in forms such as Scots Weed B Gone – and ensure it’s not used excessively.

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