Ask Council to Discuss Forest Herbicide Spraying

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Subject: Request for Council Discussion on Forest Herbicide Spraying

Dear Mayor and Council,

I am writing as a resident to ask that Council consider placing forest herbicide spraying on a future council agenda for discussion.

While forestry is regulated provincially, these spraying programs can affect municipal watersheds, wildlife habitat, and public and environmental health. This is also a climate and wildfire concern. Forest herbicide spraying is used to promote dense conifer plantations by removing competing vegetation, which can increase flammability and fire intensity, putting more carbon, habitat, and community safety at risk.

Recent retractions of key glyphosate “safety” papers raise serious concerns about how risk has been communicated and reinforce the need for greater precaution and transparency. After decades of chemical herbicide spraying in forestry, it is time for governments to stop treating this as an “acceptable risk,” especially where drinking water and community safety are at stake.

In Ontario, municipalities have stepped up. Dozens of councils have passed or supported resolutions calling for an end to forest spraying and have urged provincial and federal governments to take action. These municipal actions are building momentum for change and showing that local governments can help lead.

A summary of Ontario municipal actions, resolutions, and supporting materials can be found here:
https://stopthespraycanada.ca/municipalities

A sample council resolution for you is available here:
https://stopthespraycanada.ca/council

Municipalities do not need to turn a blind eye simply because spraying may occur outside municipal boundaries. Even placing this issue on the agenda for public discussion would be a meaningful first step, and a clear signal that our community takes clean water, forest health, and Indigenous rights seriously.

I respectfully ask that Council review this issue and consider how our community can add its voice.

Thank you for your time and for your service to our community.

Nova Scotia’s Action Page