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