President’s Report – Nov/Dec 2013

Prepared by Keith Lyall

It continues to surprise me how fast summers go by, and seem to go by faster each year. The funny thing is when I start looking forward to fall, once winter gets here I want it to be spring again. I guess that’s a condition from living in so much snow.

Within the WCTA, many projects continue to unfold.  Obviously it’s conference preparation time and with a joint WCTA and CGSA conference there is lots to do to prep for such a large event. Thankfully these two associations along with the BCGSA have great resources in the directors and staff that make all of our professional events so successful.

Some other noteworthy topics from the WCTA Board, we have recently passed a motion to extend our CEC program to any member of the BCGSA for a nominal fee, similar to what was given to the BCLNA when the program was first developed. We have also approved a funding model to support regional events for both golf and sports turf TARS type events. We have also approved a small increase to dues, 3%, in order to help fund new and current activities.

Recently, myself, Trevor Smith and Dean Piller meet with Hon. Mary Pollack to discuss changes made to the IPM act. We had this meeting scheduled the day before these changes were announced. I am sure most of you have seen them by now, but it basically boils down, for golf, that now all courses will require a certified applicator on staff if you are using pesticides. It looks like golf courses will also need a “Pesticide Use License”. The course I work at is leased crown land and because of that we have had one for nine or so years now. It really isn’t too challenging; you will need to report all the pesticides used annually and have an IPM program. I can tell you that no one from MOE has ever reviewed our IPM practices. I think it’s great that government wants to make people more accountable however they lack personnel in order to enforce these rules effectively.

The other major changes will affect pesticide vendors, putting more focus on that industry to make sure users are certified and knowledgeable on the safe use of plant health products.

Just so everyone is aware I made sure to let Minister Pollack know that I was not only representing golf but also sports turf managers who have been challenged with municipal bylaws within their communities. She was very sympathetic to bans placed on municipalities and offered to help anyway she could.

All and all I felt the meeting went well.  It would seem our government is not willing to let misinformation, emotions and special interest groups decide the fate of industry within BC. I am sure that this will help our economy grow and will allow foreign investments to continue.

At the end of this month (November) the Environmental Advocacy Committee will be meeting with Bob Lucy, MOE staff in charge of pesticide use in BC. Bob has been the “go to guy” for the WCTA in regard to our CEC program. Bob is retiring and he will be bringing his replacement and other staff in order to continue this vital relationship. By the time you read this we should have definitive answers on what will be happing with any changes.

I would like to wish everyone a great winter and a happy holiday season. I hope you all get a chance to spend quality time with friends and family and please be safe.

Respectfully Submitted Keith Lyall