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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 35-23 Report to Executive Committee Report Number: CS 35-23 Date: December 4, 2023 From: Laura Gibbs (Acting) Director, Community Services Subject: Animal Poisoning Prevention - Pest Management Policy - Rodenticides Education Campaign - File: A-1440-001 Recommendation: 1. That Report CS 35-23 regarding Animal Poisoning Prevention be received; 2. That Council approve CUL 160 Pest Management Policy, as set out in Attachment 1 to this report; 3. That Council approve the Rodenticides Educational Campaign as set out in Attachment 2 to this report; and 4. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. Executive Summary: At the Council meeting on June 26, 2023, through Resolution #238/23, Council directed staff to develop a policy banning the use of rodenticides on all City of Pickering properties and a communications strategy for educating residents and business on the harmful impacts of rodenticides and the availability of humane, ecologically sustainable alternatives. The purpose of the Pest Management Policy is to establish a humane Pest Management Program within City of Pickering properties while banning non-essential use of rodenticides. The Rodenticides Educational Campaign seeks to inform Pickering residents and businesses of the harmful effects of rodenticides and alternatives that can be used for rodent control. The work was undertaken in consultation with the Supervisor, Animal Services. The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s endorsement of CUL 160, as set out in Attachment 1, and the Rodenticides Educational Campaign, as set out in Attachment 2. Financial Implications: There is no financial impact resulting from the adoptions of recommendations in this report. The costs associated with replacing anticoagulant rodenticide bait boxes with humane traps through service providers will be monitored. CS 35-23 December 4, 2023 Subject: Animal Poisoning Prevention Page 2 Discussion: Rodenticides are pesticides used to control rodent populations. The most common rodenticide products have active anticoagulant ingredients that cause internal bleeding after ingestion. Rodenticides are used to eliminate rodent populations by causing death by preventing normal blood clotting, causing internal hemorrhaging, or disturbing nervous system functions. Rodenticides pose threats to Ontario’s wildlife (including raptors, songbirds, coyotes, snakes, and raccoons), and the environment (including aquatic ecosystems) through primary and secondary poisoning of non-target species. Predators and scavengers are at a particularly high risk of secondary poisoning because of their dependence on rodents as a food source. At the Council meeting on June 26, 2023, through Resolution #283/23, Council directed staff to: 1. Prepare a draft policy banning the use of rodenticides on all City of Pickering properties; 2. Include a communications strategy for educating residents and business on the harmful impacts of rodenticides and the availability of humane, ecologically sustainable alternatives; 3. Implement humane practices in regard to pest control on all City of Pickering properties; and 4. Have staff report back to Council no later than Q4. The draft CUL 160 Pest Management Policy (Attachment 1) prohibits the use of Anticoagulant Rodenticide or other Regulated Substances on City-owned properties, except where expressly authorized as a last resort option by the Director, Community Services. The draft Policy outlines a Pest Management Program that includes assessment of a property to determine prevention and mitigation measures. Mitigation, planning and implementation of the Pest Management Program shall include access prevention, attractant management and population control. The draft Policy includes monitoring and adaptive management and reporting and compliance procedures. The Rodenticides Educational Campaign will educate residents and businesses about the negative impacts’ rodenticides have, and about alternative, humane methods citizens can use for rodent control. Additionally, the City will place a focus on pet safety – as the use of rodenticides can be of risk to all animals. Attachments: 1. CUL 160 Pest Management Policy 2. Rodenticides Educational Campaign 3. Resolution #283/23 CS 35-23 December 4, 2023 Subject: Animal Poisoning Prevention Page 3 Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: Original Signed By Original Signed By Kevin Hayes Laura Gibbs MBA, Msc Manager, Facilities (Acting) Director, Community Services LG:kh Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Original Signed By Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer Policy Procedure Title: Pest Management Policy Policy Number CUL 160 Reference #238/23 Ontario Regulation 63/09 Canadian Environmental Protection Act Date Originated (m/d/y) December 4, 2023 Date Revised (m/d/y) Pages 7 Approval: Chief Administrative Officer Point of Contact Director, Community Services Attachment #1 to Report CS 35-23 Policy Objective The purpose of this Policy is to establish a humane pest management program within City of Pickering properties while banning non-essential use of rodenticides. Index 01 Policy Statement 02 Definitions 03 Roles and Responsibilities 04 Procedures 05 Application 01 Policy Statement The most common rodenticide products currently in use include anticoagulant ingredients. After feeding on these products, rodents first become lethargic and display abnormal behaviour, becoming easier targets for predators that can accumulate these toxic ingredients in their bodies to lethal levels. To reduce the impact of the City’s Pest Management Program on wildlife, it is the Policy of the City of Pickering that: •The use of Anticoagulant Rodenticide or other Regulated Substances for rodent pest management is prohibited on all City-owned properties, except where expressly authorized as a last resort option by the Director, Community Services; and •The use of Anticoagulant Rodenticide or other Regulated Substances for rodent pest management is discouraged on private property. Policy Title: Pest Management Policy Page 2 of 7 Policy Number: CUL 160 02 Definitions 02.01 Anticoagulant Rodenticide(s) – means either a first-generation or second- generation rodenticide that disrupts blood clotting metabolic processes, causing severe or fatal internal hemorrhaging in animals, and is mixed with an attractant for use in pest management activities. Products include first-generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (FGAR) and second-generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGAR). FGAR is a generally less acutely-toxic rodenticide, requiring multiple feedings to administer a lethal dose, metabolizing quickly in the body tissue of rodents. SGAR is generally a more acutely-toxic rodenticide that requires only a single feeding to administer a lethal dose and remains in the body tissue of rodents longer. 02.02 Captive Bolt Trap – means any mechanical device that incorporates a force- driven bolt or piston to kill pests and is authorized for use in Canada. 02.03 City-owned Property – means any land, building or structure on such land, either owned or controlled by the City of Pickering, on which legal authority to regulate pest management exists. 02.04 Electronic Kill Trap – means any mechanical device that employs electrical current to trap and kill pests authorized for use in Canada. 02.05 Glue Board(s) – means trays coated with adhesive, used to eliminate rodents, insects and snakes as an alternative to snap traps or other population control forms. 02.06 Live Capture Trap – means a mechanical device authorized for use in Canada, designed so that the capture does not injure the pest. 02.07 Non-target Wildlife – means any mammal, insect, bird, amphibian, reptile, or other living organisms that are not the target of pest management or pest management activities. 02.08 Non-toxic Bait Attractant – means a substance not listed in the List of Toxic Substances (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Schedule 1) to attract pests for population control. 02.09 Pest –refers specifically to rodents targeted by pest management activities. 02.10 Pest Infestation – means the occurrence of pest(s) in or around a building or structure such that the occurrence is or is likely to cause damage to the building or structure and/or to generate a health risk to the occupants or users of the building or structure, as determined by a service provider. 02.11 Pest Management – means the integrated and comprehensive compilation of actions undertaken to reduce or eliminate a pest infestation. Policy Title: Pest Management Policy Page 3 of 7 Policy Number: CUL 160 02.12 Population Control – means pest management activities specifically designed to reduce or eliminate and control the pest(s) population inside or near a City- owned property. 02.13 Property Manager – means a person or company employed by either the City or a leaseholder to perform property management and maintenance activities on City-owned property, or a person who otherwise represents the City regarding a City-owned property or the leaseholder on City-owned property. 02.14 Regulated Substance – means any substance identified as regulated or prohibited in the Ontario Regulation 63/09, known as the Pesticides Act. 02.15 Service Provider – means a company or corporate entity or person approved to conduct business on City-owned property to administrate a pest management program. 02.16 Snap Trap – means any mechanical device that incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism to trap and/or kill pests. 03 Roles and Responsibilities 03.01 Council to: a.Approve and uphold the Pest Management Policy and any amendments; b.Approve annual budget including costs of pest management; and c.Act as an advocate for humane pest management and discouraged use of rodenticides within Pickering. 03.02 Chief Administrative Officer to: a.Uphold the Pest Management Policy; b.Recommend revisions to the Pest Management Policy to Council, or amendments to existing policies and procedures when required; and 03.03 Director, Community Services to: a.Monitor and oversee administration of this policy; b.Authorize the use of Anticoagulant Rodenticides or other Regulated Substances on City Properties as a last resort option; c.Annually review this Policy, and associated procedures and standard operating procedures and prepare amendments when the need is recognized; and d.Determine requirements for Policy and procedure orientation. 03.04 Manager, Facilities Maintenance to: Policy Title: Pest Management Policy Page 4 of 7 Policy Number: CUL 160 a.Oversee and implement the Pest Management Program, including compliance with this Policy and associated procedures and standard operating procedures. 03.05 Corporate Communications to: a.Educate the public on the harmful side effects of anticoagulant rodenticide use and encourage Pickering residents to follow the Policy Statement outlined in section 01 and alternative pest management options. 04 Procedures 04.01 Assessment a.An assessment is conducted to confirm whether pest(s) are present and whether they are causing or can cause damage to the building or pose a risk to its occupants/users. This assessment may demonstrate that very limited or no pest management activity is required and that population control is unnecessary. If no pest management activity is needed, the assessment results should be recorded and provided to the Manager, Facilities Maintenance, and no further action is required. b.Prior to any pest management activities, the Service Provider will provide an assessment of the City property. c.The Service Provider must inspect areas potentially subject to pest management. The inspection may include visual inspection, motion-activated cameras, or other methods to collect evidence of a pest infestation. d.The Service Provider must record all details and prepare an assessment report on the likely presence of pest(s) inside or within a reasonable distance of the building/structure. The report must identify pest(s) to species level, discuss the evidence gathered, adaptive behavioural traits of the pest(s) influencing this specific occurrence, and any other relevant information. Details on pest ingress into the building/structure (including locations, pictures, and descriptions) should also be included. e.If pest(s) are confirmed, the next step is to determine whether a pest infestation exists. Using the assessment data, the Service Provider will determine the approximate numbers and species of pest(s) present, pest- specific or potential damage to the building/structure, and human health risks or other risk-related information. 04.02 Mitigation Planning and Implementation Based on the assessment, the Service Provider formulates a mitigation plan in keeping with the level of risk present. Mitigation planning and implementation have three components: (1) Access Prevention; (2) Attractant Management; and (3) Population Control. 04.03 Access Prevention: to reduce entry points into buildings and structures. Policy Title: Pest Management Policy Page 5 of 7 Policy Number: CUL 160 a.The Service Provider should recommend modifications, where practical, to each pest entry point into the building/structure. This should be done for each pest targeted for pest management activity in the risk assessment. b. The Manager, Facilities Maintenance must be consulted before changes to the building/structure are made. In particular, building envelope perforations (nails, screws, etc.) must be pre-approved. c.The Service Provider should also recommend modifications to remove safe harbourage inside or in proximity to the building/structure, including selective vegetation management adjacent to buildings. d.The Service Provider and Manager, Facilities Maintenance must ensure that any building/structure modifications do not interfere with the harbourage, nest or roost sites for important and protected non-targeted wildlife, including protected bat roosts and bird nests. 04.04 Attractant Management: to deny food and water to pests in an area where they are unwanted. a.In consultation with the Manager, Facilities Maintenance, the Service Provider should prepare an education program to inform leaseholders and occupants on attractant management and specifically recommend changes or modifications to avoid attracting pests and providing harbourage. b.The Service Provider should identify specific situations that require disinfection cleaning to remove accumulated deposits of attractant materials or health risks (e.g., steam cleaning, etc.). 04.05 Population Control: to reduce pest numbers or control a pest infestation. a. Population control must be overseen by the Service Provider involved in the previous steps or another Service Provider who has reviewed the last pest management activity. Population control is the final step in mitigation planning and implementation. b.Trapping as population control can be done using either a Live Capture Trap or other device designed to lethally and humanely kill a pest, with minimal impact on non-target wildlife. A trapping program must be designed and supervised by the Service Provider and be appropriate for specific pest and site conditions. The trapping program should meet the following requirements: •Snap Traps, Captive Bolt Traps and/or Electronic Kill Traps, or Live Capture Traps can be deployed by the Manager, Facilities Maintenance, or property manager under the oversight of a Service Provider. •Glue Boards or sticky boards are prohibited, as these have been linked to animal welfare concerns and are not approved for use. Policy Title: Pest Management Policy Page 6 of 7 Policy Number: CUL 160 •Rodent bait traps using Regulated Substances, including first or second- generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (FGARs and SGARs), are prohibited. •The Service Provider is responsible for ensuring that risk to non-targeted wildlife by any proposed trapping is reduced or eliminated when placing or using traps. Traps should only be accessible to pest(s) that are targeted by pest management activity. •Trap locations must be recorded on a site plan and include an accompanying monitoring plan appropriate to trap type. •Traps must be marked with the name and telephone number of the Service Provider and not set in open or publicly accessible areas where the public, non-target wildlife, or pets can easily access them. •Traps can contain a non-toxic bait attractant. •The Service Provider must provide a dispatch report for each monitoring visit where trapped pests or non-target wildlife are captured. The report will document the release or disposal of trapped animals. 04.06 Monitoring and Adaptive Management At sites where Attractant Management or Population Control measures are implemented for pest management, the Service Provider must continue to monitor the site to ensure long-term success. A monitoring plan should be prepared for these sites with details on the type of monitoring activity scheduled and the frequency of application for any pest management activity. Access prevention also needs to be monitored and maintained to ensure that pests do not regain access to the building/structure. Monitoring should be documented and provided to the Manager, Facilities Maintenance. 04.07 Reporting and Compliance No further reporting is required if a completed assessment (Step 1) did not identify a pest infestation or recommend any form of mitigation or population control. After completion of the first cycle of pest management activity (Step 2) followed by a phase of monitoring and adaptive management (Step 3), the Service Provider must document all work. All assessment and monitoring reports must be kept in a format that can be digitally transferred to the City upon request and retained by the Manager, Facilities Maintenance. 05 Application 05.01 Pest management services on City-owned property must be supervised by approved pest management Service Providers in accordance with this Corporate Policy. Policy Title: Pest Management Policy Page 7 of 7 Policy Number: CUL 160 05.02 Pest management Service Providers must follow the Policy Statement outlined in Section 01 which is based on the precautionary principle of avoiding the use of toxic chemicals and reducing and/or eliminating the impacts of toxic substances on target and non-target wildlife. 05.03 Private property owners, residents, and businesses shall be educated on the harmful side effects of Anticoagulant Rodenticide use and encourage to follow the Policy Statement outlined in Section 01 and alternative pest management options. 05.04 Monitoring and administration of this Policy is delegated to the Director, Community Services. Please refer to all associated Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures, if applicable, for detailed processes regarding this Policy. Page | 1 Attachment #2 to Report CS 35-23 Communications Plan Rodenticides Educational Campaign Project Team Laura Gibbs – Director, Community Services Lindsey Narraway – Supervisor, Animal Services Nicole Hann – Coordinator, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications Elaine Knox – Community Safety & Well-Being Advisor Author and Last Updated N. Hann – November 3, 2023 Background The City of Pickering received a delegation at the May 23, 2023 Council Meeting on Rodenticides (a group of regulated chemicals generally referred to as ‘rat poisons’). At the Regular Council Meeting on June 26th, through Resolution #238/23, Council directed staff to, in part, develop a communications strategy for educating residents and business on the harmful impacts of rodenticides and the availability of humane, ecologically sustainable alternatives. As a result of learning more about rodenticides, the City will be launching an educational campaign to inform residents on the negative impacts rodenticides have, and about alternative, humane methods citizens can use for rodent control. Additionally, the City will place a focus on pet safety – as the use of rodenticides can be of risk to all animals. The City will be utilizing various communications channels to educate residents: Introduction to Rodenticides & Available Resources (Social Media Posts) – December 2023 National Poison Prevention Week – March 17 to 23, 2024 Responsible Pet Ownership Month – All of May Page | 2 Objectives •To inform residents, businesses and other stakeholders on the harmful effects of rodenticides and of the safe alternatives that can be used for rodent control. •To provide the public with the appropriate resources they need to learn more about rodenticides and humane control options (Ontario Poison Centre, Canadian Association of Humane Trapping, Rodenticide Free Ontario, and Coyote Watch Canada) City Spokespersons Lindsey Narraway, Supervisor, Animal Services Engagement Period Introduction via Social – December 2023 National Poison Prevention Week – March 17 to 23, 2024 (& annually thereafter) Responsible Pet Ownership Month – All of May (annually) Target Audience and Stakeholders •Residents •Businesses •Community Groups PESO Model The PESO communications model stands for “paid,” “earned,” “shared” and “owned” media, and it represents a modern way for companies to integrate communications efforts while reaching audiences in an efficient, effective manner. The PESO model integrates: Paid media: including advertorial content, sponsored content, social media advertising and exclusive, membership-based publishing opportunities. Earned media: including free placements from media relations campaigns, such as press releases, bylined articles, “newsjacked” placements, investor relations, blogger relations/link building and word of mouth. Shared media: including organic social media built on curated content, reviews, forums and other online communities. Owned media: the content your business owns. It’s created specifically for your brand that is published to your website or other owned channels, including videos and other visual content. Note: the typical thought process starts with Owned>Earned>Shared>Paid. Page | 3 Channels/Tactics Due Date Owned Media pickering.ca home page promoting survey National Poison Prevention Week banner – March 17, 2024 Rodenticides/Pet Safety banner/Responsible Pet Ownership Month –May 1, 2024 pickering.ca dedicated web page on rodenticides (including resources/links to appropriate organizations) TBD – in advance of –March 17, 2024 Digital Community Billboard Signs National Poison Prevention Week banner – March 17, 2024 Rodenticides/Pet Safety banner/Responsible Pet Ownership Month –May 1, 2024 eNewsletters/Email Groups: -Your City Corporate Newsletter -Business Newsletter and Networks (including APBOT) -Pickering 101 -Corporate Advisory Committees -ActiveNet Distribution List -All Advisory & Taskforce Members via Staff Liaison Posters (8.5 x 11) in City facilities –March 17, 2024 (leave on display through to summer) Local Business Community –March 17, 2024 Petapoloooza Event –March 11, 2024 In-Person and/or Virtual Seminar TBD Earned Media (Media Relations) News Release Issue release for both key dates – which will include information on rodenticides. National Poison Prevention Week –March 17, 2024 Rodenticides/ Responsible Pet Ownership Month –May 1, 2024 Shared Media (Social Media) Corporate Channels December 2023 until end of May 2023 Pickering Neighbourhood Facebook Groups Other City Social Handles -Adult 55+ -Pickering Great Events -Etc. Legislative Services Division Clerk’s Office Directive Memorandum June 30, 2023 To: Paul Bigioni Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor From: Susan Cassel City Clerk Subject: Direction as per Minutes of the Meeting of City Council held on June 26, 2023 Animal Poisoning Prevention Council Decision Resolution #238/23 WHEREAS, Council acknowledges that rodenticide products are unreasonably dangerous, inhumane, and ineffective; And Whereas, rodenticides are highly toxic, persistent and compounds of bioaccumulation used to eliminate rodent populations by causing death by preventing normal blood clotting, causing internal hemorrhaging, or disturbing nervous system functions; And Whereas, rodenticides pose serious threats to Ontario’s wildlife (including raptors, songbirds, coyotes, snakes, and raccoons) and the environment (including aquatic ecosystems) through primary and secondary poisoning of non-target species, and further threaten children and pets; And Whereas, predators and scavengers are at a particularly high risk of secondary poisoning because of their dependence on rodents as a food source, with countless cases of poisoning across Ontario in the past decade; And Whereas, rodenticides are an ineffective and counterproductive means of controlling long-term rodent populations because they fail to address the root of infestation problems (i.e., access to food, shelter and other attractants), and kill predators that serve as natural and chemical-free methods of pest control (i.e., a single owl eats around 1,000 rats per year); And Whereas, the existing risk mitigation measures implemented by the federal and provincial government are incapable of adequately addressing the threats that rodenticides pose to the environment, wildlife, and human health; And Whereas, preventative measures are the best method of vector control; And Whereas, eliminating non-essential use of rodenticides is consistent with the precautionary principle; Attachment #3 to Report CS 35-23 Council wishes to enact a policy prohibiting the use of inhumane vector control products to address public concern for the environmental wellbeing of the Corporation, and the health, safety and well-being of its inhabitants; And Whereas, And Whereas, Council deems it desirable and in the public interest to enact an Animal Poison Prevention Policy for protecting wildlife, pets, and people from unreasonable adverse effects caused by rodenticide use for the purpose of: •Eliminating inhumane methods of pest control; •Regulating and controlling the use, purchase, and sale of rodenticides; •Sustaining a healthy natural environment by protecting biodiversity; •Protecting significant and sensitive natural areas; •Protecting human health; •Maintaining water quality; and, •Protecting fish habitat as defined in the Fisheries Act, Revised Statute of Canada 1985. Now therefore be it resolved, that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering directs staff through the Office of the CAO: 1.To prepare a draft Policy banning the use of rodenticides on all City of Pickering properties; 2.To include a communications strategy for educating residents and business on the harmful impacts of rodenticides and the availability of humane, ecologically sustainable alternatives; 3.To implement humane practices in regards to pest control on all City of Pickering properties; 4.To have staff report back to Council no later than Q4; and, 5.That Council requests that the Mayor write, on behalf of Council, to the provincial Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) requesting that the Province of Ontario introduce a Province wide ban on the use of rodenticides, to increase protection for wildlife species. Please take any action deemed necessary. Susan Cassel Copy: Chief Administrative Officer