We, the residents of Vancouver, call on City Council to ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers citywide. These machines roar at more than 90 decibels, spew toxic emissions and fine particulates, and disrupt life for families, seniors, professionals working from home, people with chronic illness or sensory sensitivities, pets and outdoor workers. 

It’s time for the rest of Vancouver to follow the example of the West End, and cities like Victoria, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. — and transition to quiet alternatives that keep our streets clean without harming our environment or peace of mind.

🌬️ The Problem
Gas-powered leaf blowers are one of the loudest and dirtiest tools still widely used in our city.

They produce noise levels over 90 decibels, often early in the morning or during work hours.

They emit toxic fumes and fine particles. One hour of leaf blowing is equivalent to driving a car 1,700 km from Toronto to Halifax or from Vancouver to Regina!

They disturb families with children, seniors, remote workers, and pets across neighbourhoods like Fairview, Kitsilano, and Mount Pleasant.

In dense urban areas, the combination of noise and fumes can linger long after the machines stop — affecting indoor air quality and daily peace.

🌎 Why This Matters
Vancouver has pledged to be a green and livable city, yet we still allow fossil-fuel-powered devices that harm residents’ health and the environment.

Other cities have already made this transition successfully — and it’s time for all of Vancouver to do the same by transitioning to electric models.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who is Affected

This ban would protect:

 - Families & children from toxic air and early-morning loud noise.
 - Seniors and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions from stress, impaired sleep and harmful emissions.
 - People with chronic illnesses, migraines, PTSD, sensory or hearing sensitivities, who are disproportionately disturbed by loud, sudden noise and airborne irritants.
 - Remote workers and home-based professionals whose productivity and well-being depend on quiet and concentration.
 - Pet owners and people with service animals whose animals experience stress or fear from the sudden roar of two-stroke engines.
 - All Vancouver residents who value peaceful, healthy neighbourhoods and the right to breathe clean air.

📋 What We’re Asking For

We urge the Vancouver City Council to lead by example and phase out gas-powered leaf blowers citywide by 2027, replacing them with clean, quiet electric or battery alternatives.

To make this transition fair and effective, we ask Council to:

1. Phase Out Gas Leaf Blowers by 2027
Start with high-density neighbourhoods like Fairview, Kitsilano, and Mount Pleasant, where noise and air pollution hit hardest.
2. Electrify City Operations First
Have all City and Park Board crews switch to electric or battery powered equipment before the public ban.
3. Support Landscapers and Workers
Work with BC Hydro and CleanBC to provide rebates or trade-in programs for battery powered or electric equipment, plus education and training on quiet, sustainable yard care.
4. Update City Bylaws
Amend the Noise Control and Street & Traffic Bylaws to include a clear prohibition on gas-powered leaf blowers, with education-first enforcement.
5. Launch a “Quiet Vancouver” Campaign
Educate residents about the benefits — cleaner air, quieter streets, and healthier workers — and promote natural alternatives like raking and mulching.

🗣️ Community Support
This is not a new concern. A similar Vancouver petition created in 2022 has already gathered almost 100 signatures. The fact that residents are still asking for change in 2025 shows this is an ongoing, unresolved issue affecting our city’s livability.

💚 Our Vision
Imagine a Vancouver where:

You can open your window without the sound of a two-stroke engine.
Landscapers use clean, quiet tools.
Our city’s parks and streets stay beautiful without sacrificing health or peace.
Let’s make Vancouver quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable for everyone.

✍️ Sign the Petition
If you live, work, or own property in Vancouver, please sign and share.
Together, we can help the City Council take action for a healthier, more peaceful city.

🖋️ Sign now to support a ban on leaf blowers in Vancouver.