A proposed ban on leaf blowers in the City of Toronto was voted down by council, thanks, in large part to the efforts of the industry who lobbied city councilors to keep the use of this labour-saving tool.
This issue has been in the news since Councilor Joe Mihevic, chair of the health board, introduced a recommendation last fall to ban the use of leaf blowers at all times on residential properties except during the months of October and November.
Tony DiGiovanni, executive director of Landscape Ontario (LO), coordinated the information campaign mounted by concerned industry members, staff from the Toronto Parks and Recreation Department and equipment suppliers including Stihl Limited and Echo. The group made sure all Toronto City Councilors were provided with the industry’s response to a proposed ban and enough information to make an informed vote regarding the proposed ban.
While a council vote was deferred several times over the winter, councilors were able to hear how a restriction would cost the city alone over $1 million as the Parks and Recreation departments have invested heavily in these labour-saving devices. LO estimated that leaf blowers save the industry $45 million in labour costs. The paving industry and equipment manufacturers and dealers would also be severely affected by a ban on blowers in Toronto, as many smaller cities look to policies set by Toronto, and follow suit.
DiGiovanni reminds members that, although there are no restrictions on leaf blower use, they are a noisy tool and should be used with courtesy and a respect for neighbouring properties. LO has offered their services to the City in dealing with misuse complaints concerning LO members and will continue to concentrate on educating members on the correct use of this machinery.
