The snowdrops and crocuses are only now poking their delicate heads above the chilly ground and by the time grass and weeds start to grow, some property owners might be tempted to use pesticides.
But not in Port Moody.
The city adopted a ban on pesticides in 2003 and has been promoting chemical-free gardening ever since.
Environmental technician Rick Saunier said the city is once again hosting a seminar on the benefits of growing naturally and prefers education to slapping people with fines.
"Education is our main goal," Saunier said, noting that the cosmetic pesticide ban wasn't enforced until the conclusion of a three-year education program in 2006.
The city will enforce its bylaw if people don't comply but only three such tickets have been issued to businesses operating on stratas that continued to use pesticides even though they were informed not to when they renewed their business licences.
According to the city's website, PoMo's bylaw prohibits the use of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals for cosmetic purposes and was the first such bylaw to be adopted in western Canada. Fines range from $100 to $300 depending on the number of offences.
Saunier said the city is focusing on setting an example of pesticide-free gardening to show people that plants can flourish without chemicals.
In a demonstration garden at the Port Moody City Arts Centre, workers look after ornamental plants and grass without chemicals, and the city hasn't used pesticides on its other properties since 1988.
It's also offering a talk by master gardener Brenda Costanzo, co-author of Native Plants in the Coastal Garden, who will talk about gardening with pesticides, ideas for design and layout, propagation, healthy soil and water conservation. The program takes place March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Inlet Theatre.
