If you’re noticing that Winnipeg’s retention ponds are a bit cloudier than usual, there may be a reason for that.
According to the City of Winnipeg, the province revoked the licence for its herbicide, which is a chemical called ‘Reward.’
It notes there is no other chemical Manitoba will approve for vegetation control, adding that the licence was revoked due to a discrepancy in the label statements.
In a statement, the province said the label for Reward permits its use in open bodies of water, including retention ponds that drain into fish-bearing waters. However, it notes, the federal Fisheries Act does not allow the use of pesticides in fish-bearing waters unless it is being used to control aquatic invasive species.
The province said it sent a letter in May 2024 to clarify the requirements for municipalities, adding that it has also met with Health Canada on the matter.
Winnipeg said …