NEWS RELEASE

Admiral's Cove Park spraying not proceeding, HRM refocused on alternatives

(Wednesday, June 30, 2010) HRM will not proceed with the planned application in early July of a pesticide to assist with the control of the presence of Blacklegged ticks in Admiral’s Cove Park.

The province and municipality are working together in support of an alternative. Both sides hope that Deer Bait Stations - being studied by the Federal government - can be in place in the park area this Fall. The province will provide a letter of support for the project which is a federal initiative. All sides are still aiming to have these stations in place in the park to study their effectiveness in reducing the spread of Blacklegged ticks.

“Although I remain deeply concerned for the health and safety of our residents, Council must cede authority to the Province in areas of public health,” said Councillor Tim Outhit. “However, I am hopeful that with the joint support of both levels of government that the Deer Bait Stations will move forward.”

The application to proceed was passed by HRM Council this month, but required an Emergency Use Approval from Health Canada requested by the Federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency. A letter of no objection was needed from the province to permit the application for emergency registration to proceed.

The municipality and provincial government will continue to work together to educate all Nova Scotians and visitors to the province on prevention and educational measures regarding Blacklegged ticks in the region and across Nova Scotia.
For more details on blacklegged ticks visit the Government of Nova Scotia's website at: www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/lyme.asp.

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Contact:

Councillor Tim Outhit
District 21
490-5679

Richard MacLellan, Manager
Sustainable Environment Management Office
902-490-6056