Vancouver, Booo!
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Vancouver, Booo!
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Leaf Blower Ban Rescinded In a most disappointing move, Vancouver City Council has responded to pressure from the British Columbia Landscapers and Nursery Association to rescind the progressive anti-leaf blower bylaw passed July 12, 2001, opting instead to restrict gas powered leaf blowers to no closer than 50 metres from residential premises except from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. (Ed. note: These hours were the most heavily used anyway, and that was the original problem for those who work at home, shift workers trying to sleep, and the housebound who have no means of escape from the noise!) After January 1, 2003, there will be an upper limit of 65 dBA allowed for these machines, despite the fact that such a limit is virtually unenforceable, as calibrated decibel meters with trained operators would have to be available on demand to measure the noise and provide proof that the bylaw has been breached. Catering further to the BC Landscapers and Nursery Association, Council voted to endorse the strategic plan proposal put forward by that organization, requesting that City staff participate in the process. Council is to review the effectiveness of the bylaw in late 2003. Councillor Lynne Kennedy moved that the July 12, 2001 bylaw be rescinded and the above be enacted instead. Councillors Bass and Louis were the only voices opposing this regressive move; Gordon Price, who had previously supported a total ban by Feb 2, 2004, now voted in line with the rest of the NPA in favour of it. Comments on the above issues can be sent to Mayor and Council, Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5Y 1V4, or by email to Mayor and Council. |
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