As a golf industry…

As a golf industry professional I am in complete support of the amendments to Reg 63/09.

Everyone involved in the Ontario Golf Industry is committed to undertaking best management practices to mitigate the effects of non-target pesticide usage. These products are extremely costly, a measure of last resort but also part of a wholistic approach to Integrated Pest Management.

For the past number of years we have been in compliance with all IPM regulations including hosting an annual meeting to educate and inform local citizens on what is applied during the calendar year to the golf course grounds. Unfortunately, with great expense of labour, effort and funds, the meetings in question are not well attended. Our club specifically has had 3 attendees in all our years of hosting.

I do support the amendment for removal of the annual meeting requirement in the regulation. I strongly feel that the time, energy and expense will be better used in other areas of our IPM program and environmental conservation programs.