CITY OF VANCOUVER
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Judy Rogers, City Manager
Brent MacGregor, Deputy City Manager

M E M O R A N D U M

DATE: March 4, 2002

TO: Mayor and Members of Council

FROM: Brent MacGregor, Deputy City Manager

CC: Syd Baxter, City Clerk

Nick Losito, VRHB
Piet Rutgers, Park Board

SUBJECT: Proposed Noise Bylaw Amendment Regarding Leaf Blowers

This is further to my memo of February 14, 2002, wherein I suggested some options to the previously approved Council position.

If Council is inclined to approve the Recommendation in the January 25, 2002 report, it may be done without amendment to the original July 12, 2001 motion. The Noise by-law will be brought forward for enactment at the next Council meeting.

If Council is inclined to give more flexibility and approve different motions to amend the Noise by-law, Council would first need to "Rescind" the July 12, 2001 motion by the required 2/3 majority of the members present.

In anticipation that Council may wish to consider an alternate approach and upon further review of the issues with staff, the following alternate Recommendations are suggested.

A. THAT on such terms as the Director of Legal Services may think fit, the Noise by-law be amended to prohibit, effective on enactment of the by-law, the use of hand held and backpack leaf blowers, used within 50 metres of residential premises, except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. weekdays, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Saturdays.

B. THAT on such terms as the Director of Legal Services may think fit, the Noise by-law be amended to prohibit, effective January 1, 2003, the use of any leaf blower that has not been certified as meeting the Category 1- db(A) <65 equipment standard as set out in the ANSI B175.2-2000.

C. THAT Council endorse the strategic plan proposal put forward by the BCLNA, and request City staff participation in the process.

D. THAT the effectiveness of the new regulations 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.

E. THAT Park Board request for a one-time expenditure of $55,000 for new equipment be referred to the budget process.

Messrs. Nick Losito and Piet Rutgers will be in Council to answer any questions.

Brent MacGregor
Deputy City Manager
brent_macgregor@city.vancouver.bc.ca

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