District of West Vancouver will explore a ban on two-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers, and regulate the noise of electric leaf blowers to 65db or less.
West Vancouver Councillor Bill Soprovich introduced this motion, according to which greenhouse gasses emitted from 2-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers are equivalent to those generated by an automobile travelling 1,700 km.
The motion also states that studies suggest that sustained noise over 85db can be harmful to residents’ well-being.
At a council meeting on September 27, council passed the motion and directed staff to report to council regarding the feasibility of such a ban.
The issue of gas-powered leaf blowers has 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 motion says.
The councillor also cites 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.
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.
