Spraytech v Hudson, indexed as 114957 Canada Ltée (Spraytech, Société d'arrosage) v. Hudson (Town), [2001] 2 S.C.R. 241; 2001 SCC 40 is a leading Supreme Court of Canada case on the general welfare powers of a municipality to regulate the conduct of businesses that impact the health and safety of residents.
Summary
The applicants, a lawn-care company, sought to overturn a municipal ban on pesticide use. They contended that the ban contravened or otherwise interfered with Quebec's Pesticides Act and federal Pest Control Products Act legislation, and sought a declaration that the municipality was ultra vires its power. The Supreme Court ruled otherwise, as did the courts below. The appellants were taxed with costs.