Indications the B.C. government is now ready to consider "new statutory protections" from cosmetic pesticides, has piqued the interest of Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz.

The specific wording in the Aug. 25 Speech from the Throne makes it clear the intent of the Campbell government is to further restrict these products in some way.

"British Columbians will be consulted on new statutory protections to further safeguard our environment from cosmetic chemical pesticides," reads the lone reference in the speech.

"That is welcome news," Gaetz said, adding that it's a crucial discussion for the people of B.C. to have.

The heated debate has already started locally on a small scale, she said, with several citizens on both sides contacting the office of the mayor to offer polarized opinions on the topic.

"We have a lot of farmland and golf courses in Chilliwack, and they are protected within legislation. So it will also be interesting to see if the province will follow the lead of some other Canadian provinces in moving toward a ban," said Gaetz.

"But in the meantime, my hope is that we will have good scientific data to help us have an intelligent discussion during the consultations."

Environment Minister Barry Penner said the pledge to consult on new pesticide restrictions was among several pertaining to his environment portfolio.

"We've committed to looking at ways, and engaging people in consultation about reducing the use of cosmetic pesticides, and protecting our water courses and waterways from potential harm from excessive use of those products," Penner confirmed.

The province enacted "integrated pest management" legislation in 2004, which effectively tailors the response to pests based on how serious the challenge is, he added.

"So with the commitment to consult, we are going to take a further look to ensure pesticides aren't being misused or overused," Penner added.

Chilliwack-Sumas MLA John Les said cosmetic pesticides should not be banned outright, likening it to "throwing out the baby with the bath water."

"Can we improve how we handle them? I think we can," Les said.

Many of the products approved by Health Canada for use as pesticides are "beneficial" to food production in the agricultural industry, the MLA said, and can "enhance" our quality of life.

"Of course there are always concerns that people use the products correctly, but my own feeling is that they should not be eliminated," he said. "I will say one thing for the agricultural community, the level of responsibility (around pesticide use) has increased remarkably."

The upcoming consultations on cosmetic pesticides, for which there are no dates set yet, will nonetheless be a good chance for locals to air their views.

"I hope a lot of people from Chilliwack include themselves in the discussion when it happens," Les said.

Western Canada Wilderness Committee rep Gwen Barlee had praise for the pesticide item in the speech, despite her overall criticism of some of the environmental initiatives as "green washing."

"We are glad that the provincial government is listening to what the people are demanding in regards to protecting species at risk and banning cosmetic pesticides. Both proposals are hugely popular with the people of B.C.," said Barlee.

Support for a complete ban on cosmetic pesticides province-wide is growing. An Ipsos Reid poll conducted last year for the Canadian Cancer Society shows that the majority of British Columbians, 76 per cent, support provincial legislation to restrict the use and sale of pesticides. Municipal delegates to the 2008 Union of B.C. Municipalities voted in favour of bringing in province-wide regulations to restrict the sale of cosmetic pesticides.

Over 130 municipalities across Canada have implemented bylaws restricting pesticide use, including 12 in British Columbia. Another 13 municipalities in B.C. have drafted pesticide bylaws, or are considering bylaws.