Pesticides and Herbicides

The Pesticide and Herbicide Use Bylaw does not apply to the application of a pesticide that is:

a)   an allowed pesticide;

b)   applied to manage pests that transmit human diseases or impact agriculture or forestry; 

c)   applied on the residential areas of farms;

d)   applied on buildings or inside buildings;

e)   applied on lands used by agriculture, forestry, transportation, public utilities or pipelines;

f)   applied to control or destroy invasive species in accordance with the Integrated Pest Management Act (B.C.) and the Invasive Species Management Bylaw (2786, 2020); or

g)   applied by the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council in accordance with the Integrated Pest Management Act (B.C.). 

Notably, the Bylaw only prohibits the use of pesticides on outdoor trees, shrubs, flowers, other ornamental plants and turf on lands used for residential purposes and municipal lands. Therefore, uses beyond this prohibition are inherently exempt. For example, the Bylaw does not apply to the application of a pesticide for:

• purification of water for human or animal consumption;
• chemical treatment of pools or hot tubs (also see Residential Hot Tub and Pool Drainage Guidelines);
• maintenance of a sports fields, golf courses, vegetable gardens or hard surfaces like paving stones;
• management of wasp nests.

Furthermore, the District does not have the authority to regulate the sale or transportation of pesticides.

Most conventional pesticides, including products labeled herbicide, insecticide, fungicide or combined fertilizer/herbicide products (often referred to as “weed and feed”) are now restricted, except:

• Pesticides listed as Allowed Pesticides on this notice; or
• Biological pest controls including nematodes, lady beetles and bacterial pesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria or fungi.

Read the label. Common active ingredients in most conventional pesticides, such as 2,4-D, Mecoprop, Dicamba, Glyphosate, Carbaryl and Malathion are now restricted under the Bylaw. However, many safer alternatives are available, effective and exempt from the Bylaw. If the “active ingredient” on the product label is listed as an allowed pesticide (see list below), it is still allowed by this Bylaw.

Pesticides are hazardous substances and must be disposed of properly. GFL’s Recycling Depot (38950 Queens Way) and the Squamish Landfill accept consumer pesticides bearing both the product label and the poison symbol. 

In cases of non-compliance, the Bylaw enacts fines of up to $50,000. If a landscaper or lawn care specialist maintains your property, it is important for you to confirm that they comply with this new Bylaw, together with ensuring they are certified and licensed professionals.

Did you know that, if you choose to use a pesticide that is not an allowed pesticide for uses that are not governed by the Bylaw (for example, within a vegetable garden or on fruit trees), you must have a Residential Pesticide Applicator Certificate? This certificate is obtained by taking a free online course hosted by the province and is governed by the provincial Integrated Pest Management Regulation.

For more information, visit:

Residential Pesticide Applicator Certificate SITE