The Editor,
We just want to thank Port Moody council on its excellent decision to ban herbicides and pesticides in the Tri-Cities.
Two years ago, we had our backyard re-turfed at the cost of over $2,000. The other day, we woke up to a destroyed backyard because of the chafer beetles and the animals that eat them.
We bought the nematodes but that was a complete waste of time and money. We have also noticed that Port Moody is starting to look like a Third World country: overgrown road dividers, weeds everywhere, a complete mess. Other than around city hall, of course — that area is pristine.
We have lived in Port Moody for more than 30 years and it’s such a shame what’s happening:
• Monster homes ruining people’s views and peace of mind, not to mention a loss in the value of their homes.
• Dangerous changes to Ioco Road. Have any city engineers driven on Ioco Road in the rain when it’s dark? So many people cross the centre line where the city has made the butt-into-the-traffic concrete tire and rim destroyers.
• Overgrown sidewalks and road dividers making the city an embarrassment to visitors.
• Ruined yards and city lands because of treehugger mentality. I guess we will be paying for that decision on our taxes for years to come.
Should the city not be on the hook for the cost of the repairs to people’s property as it was the council’s decision to ban pesticides that have been used for years with no problems if applied according to the instructions?
We just had a quote for an artificial turf lawn. The cost is around $20 per square foot, with an annual cost of $250.00 for vacuuming. That works out to around $24,000 for a small back yard.
What city department should we submit the invoice to, please?
Once again, thanks so much.
James and Kristiina Thackray, Port Moody
