Calgary’s long-awaited pesticide bylaw will likely allow for spot application of chemicals in private yards, despite calls by anti-pesticide activists for a stronger ban on the products’ use.

A city council committee has approved “principles” for the new bylaw that would “reduce over-application” of pesticides. The proposed bylaw would ban the use of weed-and-feed products, as well as products that require mixing or dilution beforehand.

Ald. Joe Ceci says the city still has to flesh out the rules that would allow for pesticide use on things like wasp nests. “As a matter of regular daily life, [chemical use] is not essential,” he says. “Where there’s infestations, it is essential.”

The bylaw principles go to council for approval next month, and city administration will draft a bylaw that should go to committee in December. A provincial sales ban on weed-and-feed products takes effect in January.