The city of Stratford is creating a pesticide ban for our city. While we are pleased that the city is taking this initiative, we are concerned about one of the exclusions being considered. Sports fields are one of the areas being excluded from the ban. In the last few years these fields have been sprayed with Par III, a potent pesticide consisting of 2,4-D, Mecoprop and Dicamba. 2,4-D is linked to non hodgins lymphoma (a cancer) in children and adults. It is linked to many, many more illnesses. Here is an information sheet about Par III: http://www.flora.org/healthyottawa/par-III.htm Many concerned citizens of Stratford and their families would like to ban the use of pesticides on sports fields. Our children, grandchildren and friends play regularly on these fields, and we would like to use these spaces without the risk of pesticide contamination. We know that other communities have successfully stopped using pesticides on sports fields without suffering weed-related injuries because of it. Please add your name to this petition and let our city officials know we would like not like our sports fields sprayed with pesticides any longer.