Cherry blossom season in Vancouver creates stunning photo ops and delightful pink snowstorms when the blooms start to fall. However, as spring comes to a close and the petals cover the ground, cars, lawns, and pretty much everything, the machines come out to disturb the tranquil scene--a big downside of an otherwise picturesque season.
Leaf blowers are almost universally considered a nuisance and so far this year the City of Vancouver has received 29 noise complaints regarding their use.
Despite two separate Noise Control By-law amendments (one in 2002 and one in 2004) and a complete ban on the use of leaf blowers in the West End, Vancouver locals still express frustration over the noise pollution they cause.
"When it comes to noise control in Vancouver, the City strives to maintain an appropriate balance with bylaws that meet the many diverse needs of our residents," a spokesperson for the City tells V.I.A. in an emailed statement.
What are the rules for leaf blowers?
"With a goal to reduce noise pollution in residential areas of the city, Vancouver City Council voted to amend Noise Control By-law No. 6555 in March 2002 to regulate the hours of use, proximity to residential premises, and decibel levels of leaf blowers in Vancouver," they explain. And in October 2004, "the by-law was further amended to prohibit the use of leaf blowers in the city’s West End to help maintain the peaceful nature of this part of the city."
As of 2023, leaf blowers must only be operated within 50 metres of residential properties between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays or between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. They may not be used on Sundays.
In addition, only "low noise" leaf blowers are permitted in the city, though the City's website doesn't clarify what falls under that distinction.
A 29-year-old environmentalist reported receiving death threats back in 2019 for advocating for a ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers throughout the city. In fact, the City’s 311 contact centre received 121 leaf blower complaints between Jan. 1 and Nov. 6 that year.
Two years later, city councillors tried again to ban two-stroke engine landscaping equipment, including leaf blowers.
What happens to people who break the bylaw?
"The City conducts regular reviews of its bylaws. Given the changing nature of Vancouver and advances in technology, City staff are currently conducting a fulsome review of the Noise By-Law, which includes the provisions for the use of leaf-blowers in the city," says the spokesperson. The review is expected to appear before Council at the end of the year.
In the meantime, noise complaints submitted to the City via the online form on Van311 will be directed to the corresponding department and the City says staff investigate all complaints received.
"Contraventions of the bylaw may result in fines, orders and/or prosecution," they say.
The current bylaw reads: "Every person who commits an offence against this By-law is liable to a fine and penalty of not more than $10,000.00 and not less than $250.00 for each offence."
With files from Brendan Kergin and Elisia Seeber
