District of West Vancouver could explore a ban on two-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers, and regulate them if a notice of motion brought by two councillors gets support in Council.
A notice of motion by Councillors Bill Soprovich and Peter Lambur directs district staff to investigate the feasibility of a ban on two-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers, and explore options to regulate the maximum noise produced by electric leaf blowers.
Both these issues have been raised by residents, and it would benefit residents if Council takes action, the motion says.
“The District of West Vancouver is committed to helping citizens enjoy a good quality of life by regulating and enforcing property use and noise issues. Noise is part of urban life, too much noise is disruptive and harmful to residents’ wellbeing,” the notice says.
The councillors cite the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in saying that the gas-powered leaf blowers can cause hearing damage after two hours of exposure.
Gas-powered engines also produce emissions that contribute to air pollution in residential neighbourhoods, the motion adds.
District of West Vancouver is also asking the Province to amend the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations to prohibit the use or installation of aftermarket exhaust systems that exceed legal noise limits.
Gas powered leaf blowers are noisy…I agree. But they are usually in one area for a short time and probably only once a week when used by gardeners. They are more efficient than raking and picking up leaves by hand which takes more time and results in more expense. Why not just set hours of use from 10am to 3 pm. Sometimes common sense needs to prevail.
I disagree! Your logic is erroneous and self-serving because you assume that the entire population of West Vancouver will be happy being awakened and disturbed anywhere from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.
You must be a delegate from the leaf blower owners union!
Many people, for example nurses, doctors, and firemen, work evening and graveyard shifts. These are professionals who need their sleep in order to serve people like you!
How would you like to be awakened at 3:00 am by a noisy leaf blower? That might well be your equivalent of 10:00 am!