MLA Hon. Lanaas – Tamara Davidson
BC Minister of Environment and Parks
March 12, 2026.

OPEN LETTER TO MLA HON. LANAAS – TAMARA DAVIDSON

Dear Minister,

As Directors of the Fort Langley Community Association, we are writing to ask you to expedite the licensing of drones (RPAS – remotely piloted aircraft systems) specifically for the distribution of the non-toxic biological larvicide Bti to combat nuisance mosquitoes. It is vital that every safe tool be used to lessen the profound negative impact of these mosquitoes when a significant hatch occurs in the area of our community.

Fort Langley is situated on the Fraser River. It is a jewel of the Fraser Valley that is loved by residents and visitors alike. It is a major tourist destination, a hub for water sports, a beautiful camping area, and the site of many community events, including the successful Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival each July.

Each year, when the late spring freshet occurs, nuisance mosquitoes hatch. This is a natural annual cycle that varies enormously from year to year, due primarily to the rate of the snowpack melt and the timing of spring rains. In some years, such as happened in 2023-2025, the mosquito hatch subsequent to the freshet is reasonable and controlled well enough with a few applications of Bti using aerial (helicopter) and hand distribution. In other years, such as in 2022 when 10 years’ worth of dormant eggs hatched in one summer, the mosquitoes are extremely prolific, and the impact is horrific. The air is thick with mosquitoes, outdoor activities are curtailed, residents stay inside, and tourism and commerce are severely reduced. In June, July, and even into August 2022, damp riverbanks from 3 freshet peaks led to prolonged, intense mosquito hatching. Conditions were severe enough to warrant coverage in the press and on television (Global; CBC). This experience and surrounding publicity had immediate and longlasting impact, deterring visitors and affecting businesses, camping, markets, events, and activities. Despite some increase in larvicide applications that summer, mitigation efforts fell far short of what was needed.

The FLCA has been in regular contact with Morrow BioScience Ltd (MBL), the company contracted by Metro Vancouver to mitigate mosquitoes in the Lower Mainland, as well as with Metro Vancouver staff in charge of the program and Langley Township staff, as Langley Township participates in the Metro Vancouver Nuisance Mosquito Control Program. We have found them all very helpful in sharing information that we pass on to the residents and businesses in Fort Langley. In May 2023, we held a well-attended Town Hall Meeting on the subject at which MBL staff addressed the crowd to inform residents of the science behind the issue and the mitigation practices in place, and to field questions from anxious attendees.

MBL has been using aerial (helicopter) and hand distribution of Bti for several years. It is our understanding that while helicopter and hand distribution are effective, there are many wet areas they cannot reach. Brae Island, next to the Bedford Channel of the Fraser in Fort Langley, is often called the “epicentre” of the local mosquito problem. There are swampy areas, thick Himalayan blackberry thickets, and a dense overhead Cottonwood tree canopy on this island, as well as on other banks along the Fraser. We have been told that drones will be an effective distribution tool to penetrate some of the more challenging terrain.

We expect that drone use will increase the effectiveness of mosquito mitigation in our area. Drone technology is mentioned in the Metro Vancouver Regional District Mosquito Pest Management Plan (p.22), updated in February 2024, and we know that MBL applied for drone licensing for this purpose many months ago. In January 2026, we met with MLA Misty Van Popta, who immediately contacted you to urge you to approve the licensing of drones specifically to distribute the biological larvicide Bti, that is already in use, in time for 2026 freshet. We support this request and emphasize the urgency of the timing to help us avoid another difficult season.

Yours truly,
Directors of the Fort Langley Community Association

CC Ms. Misty Van Popta, MLA; Kwantlen First Nation; Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce; Bedford Channel Society; Tourism Langley; Metro Vancouver; Township of Langley; Morrow
BioScience Ltd; DRBIPA; FLCC; FCKC; FLCRC, FLYRS,

The following was the Minister’s response:

Reference: 419991
March 31, 2026
Susan Mackenzie
and Directors
Fort Langley Community Association
Email: info@fortlangleycommunity.com
Dear Susan Mackenzie and Directors:

Thank you for your email of March 12, 2026, addressed to the Honourable Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, regarding your request to expedite remotely piloted aircraft
systems (RPAS) licensing and to expand the tools available for mosquito mitigation in Fort Langley and the greater Metro Vancouver area. Minister Davidson has asked that I respond on
her behalf.

I appreciate the Fort Langley Community Association’s proactive approach to mosquito mitigation. Mosquitoes can negatively affect tourism, present public health risks and interfere
with residents’ ability to enjoy our beautiful environment. While the Integrated Pest Management Regulation (IPMR) seeks to minimize unnecessary pesticide use, it recognizes that the targeted
and judicious use of pesticides within an Integrated Pest Management program may be needed. Your letter clearly outlines the urgency of the issue in Fort Langley, especially in connection with
the 2026 freshet. Your letter also highlights the potential benefits of RPAS technology in this scenario, notably its use in more challenging terrain that is not accessible by helicopter. I also
acknowledge the economic, environmental and human safety benefits of RPAS technology in certain sectors and scenarios.

Regulating this novel application technology requires policy development and the creation of new training materials, as currently there is no appropriate certification category or authorization
system to allow pesticide application by RPAS in B.C. Until recently, staff resources were focused on completing other priority projects. With these projects now completed, ministry staff
are turning their attention to this important work. This work will not be completed in time for the upcoming 2026 season. However, ministry staff will engage with partners in the upcoming
months and as the work progresses.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.
Sincerely,