Environment

Pesticides and fertilizers

In 2000, Ville de Saint-Lazare adopted its first by-law on the application of pesticides. At the time, it was a pioneer in this field, banning all forms of pesticides for aesthetic purposes.

In November 2023, by-law 1159 governing the use of pesticides and fertilizers was adopted, replacing the by-law that had existed for over 20 years. On the city's territory, the application of pesticides for aesthetic purposes remains prohibited. This includes lawn treatments. The application of fertilizers is now also regulated.

Why ban pesticides and restrict fertilizer use?

• Because pesticides have been shown to pose a definite risk to human and animal health.
• Because fertilizers and pesticides can degrade the quality of surface and ground water, and disrupt native vegetation. 
• To better protect public health and preserve the quality of the environment.
  
  

Alternative solutions to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers

• Diversify or replace turf with native plants wherever possible, as they are well adapted to our climate and hardy. For examples, consult the ecological landscaping section.
• Mow high, keeping the lawn at 3" (8 cm) or more. Cutting too short leaves it vulnerable to the invasion of unwanted grasses and pests!
• Keep grass clippings on the ground: they conserve moisture, add nitrogen and nourish the soil without the need for fertilizer.
• Leave the leaves on the ground: they add carbon, stimulate soil life and improve soil structure. They can replace the addition of compost.

Consult our green sheets to learn more about ecological lawn care or environmentally friendly ways to get rid of nuisance plants. 

Pesticide application request

The building owner or occupant may obtain a temporary pesticide application permit from the City in the event of an infestation if he or she provides the following demonstrations, at his or her own expense:

• the situation is a real and verifiable infestation;
• that all ecological management methods, including the use of low-impact pesticides, have failed to put an end to the infestation;
• a professional recommends, in writing and with supporting documentation, an application for this infestation.

Your responsibilities as a citizen

• Consult the tables at the bottom of this page to verify that the business you have chosen holds a valid annual certificate from the City for the current year, and that its vehicles are properly identified with the business 's name before signing a contract.
• Always ask what products will be applied to your property.
• Refuse preventive treatments: ask your business to implement best cultural practices. This will avoid the use of unnecessary products and promote the growth, robustness and health of your plants.

Please note that a certificate issued by the City to a business is not an authorization to apply pesticides. Moreover, it is an offence for both the citizen and the business to use the services of an unregistered business that does not hold a valid annual certificate from the City.

Obligations for businesses

Any business that performs or offers to perform work involving the use of even low-impact pesticides (biopesticides), fertilizers, biological control agents or supplements must comply with the following obligations:

• Hold permits and certificates required by provincial legislation, as well as an annual municipal certificate issued by the City.
• Ensure that the customer holds a valid pesticide application permit issued by the City.
• Following all applications and treatments, post a sign on the property, visible from the street, containing all the information required under by-law 1159.

To obtain the annual certificate application form or for more information, please contact the Service de l'environnement at enviro@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca.

Businesses registered in 2025

Last update: April 2, 2025

List of ineligible or revoked businesses

Businesses whose registration has been revoked or made ineligible as a result of a violation of the provisions of by-law 1159.