The Vancouver decision
Grounds management contractors operating in the City of Vancouver were faced with the possibility of a complete ban of leaf blowers, to be phased in by 2004. This motion has since been rescinded and replaced with a number of restrictions governing the time of use and noise levels:
- the use of hand held and backpack leaf blowers, may not be used within 50 metres of residential premises, except between the hours of eight a.m. and six p.m. on weekdays, and nine a.m. to five p.m. on Saturdays.
- leaf blowers that have not been certified as meeting the Category 1- db(A) <65 equipment standard as set out in the ANSI B175.2-2000, may not be used.
- the effectiveness of the new regulations will be monitored, with a report back to Council by late-2003 on the implementation of the new requirements, and the industry initiatives to have all equipment meet the noise standards, as well as education programs for users and the general public, with possible further options if required, including consideration of a total ban.
- must hold stakeholders accountable for implementation, and include methods for enforcement and measuring success.”
According to British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association executive director Jane Stock: “Our industry is very satisfied with these changes as we believe it sets up a win-win situation for the public and the equipment users. The key is the development of a strategic plan that defines success and how it is to be measured, and includes strategies for timely removal of noisy equipment from the workplace. As far as stakeholders, that group will have to include such groups as: industry (landscape, roofing, construction), manufacturers, dealers, educators, City Parks and Recreation, etc. We are aware that other jurisdictions may use the Vancouver decisions and strategic plan as a basis for their own decisions, and we will accordingly keep this in mind during the development stage.”
Leaf Blower Ban
