The city's chief medical officer of health is asking citizens upset with temporary dumps in their neighbourhoods to co-operate with pest control workers and city managers.
Dr. David McKeown said Thursday in a news release that he visited the Christie Pits temporary waste collection site to get a first-hand view of the situation there.
Residents have been stopping pest control operators and city managers from entering the site to apply pesticides and remove standing water.
Such actions were necessary to prevent any rodent or insect-related health hazards, McKeown said.
"As I have stated previously, a well-managed temporary garbage site does not create a health hazard. However, it is essential that adequate pest control measures are maintained at these sites to prevent infestations of insects or rodents which may present a potential health hazard," he said.
Christie Pits residents have been among the most vocal in opposing a temporary dump in their neighbourhood.
They claim one pesticide being used could cause seizures in the neighbourhood's cats.
"While I appreciate there are concerns about the use of pesticides, I am satisfied that the city is taking the necessary precautions to ensure pesticides are applied in a way that minimizes any risk to public health," McKeown said.
He promised to continue to review the dump situations on a daily basis.
"If necessary I will use my authority under the provisions of the Health Protection and Promotion Act to issue an order to the City with specific requirements that temporary garbage sites are managed to prevent health hazards associated with rodent and insect infestations," he said.
