Newsletter,May 13, 2025
www.gasbusters.ca



Dear Gasbusters,

Firstly, thank you to all of you who submitted emails to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee (IEC) in advance of its meeting last Wednesday to consider a phased ban of two-stroke equipment in Toronto.  All of the communications prior to, and presentations at the meeting, including those by two of our Committee members, were in support of a ban.  

We are deeply disappointed to report that the IEC reversed its position from June, 2023 and voted in favour of Option A recommended by City Staff.  Councillor Dianne Saxe was the only Committee member who upheld the motion to pursue a ban as originally contemplated two years ago, and we are grateful for her unrelenting support. 

The motion passed at last week's meeting continues the City's commitment to transition to zero-transmission outdoor equipment within its own inventory, but it imposes no restrictions on private contractors such as landscape services.  The City instead will devote its efforts to public education to encourage citizens and businesses to consider the merits of converting to zero-transmission equipment, and to review progress on this front in 2027.  A link to the minutes of the meeting is below, with item details under IE21.4:

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/#/committees/2566/25788

On the positive front, there are City Councillors who will speak up when the Committee' s motion is referred to Council.  Apart from Councillor Saxe, Councillor Shelley Carroll has long been an advocate for ridding Toronto of gas-powered leaf blowers and related garden equipment.  We have included below a link to her latest newsletter.  We  encourage you to read her summary on the leaf blower debate, and email her with your views.  

https://www.shelleycarroll.ca/post/e-blast-gas-powered-leaf-blowers-under-review-have-your-say

We will continue to advance our collective interests on this issue, and to work with City Councillors who have been consistent advocates of our case and other environmental matters.   We will also escalate our communications to the Mayor's office, and seek to gain understanding and support within the City's highest office.  

With our sincere thanks for your ongoing support,
Gasbusters Organizing Committee     

Newsletter, May 2, 2025


 

Hello Gasbusters,

Just like the hockey players, we're in the playoffs now!  

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee (IEC) of Toronto City Council will debate next Wednesday, May 7 agenda item IE21.4 which includes consideration of a ban on two-stroke small engine equipment, including gas-powered leaf blowers. 

Subject to the actions of the IEC, its recommendation will be considered and voted on by Toronto City Council at its meeting two weeks later.  

We have included below a link to the City website which provides an overview and background information.

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2025.IE21.4

It's a lot of reading, so here are the key points from Gasbusters' perspective:

City Staff have recommended two options for the IEC to consider:

  • Option A- to allow the City to gradually transition to zero emission equipment in its own operations, but to eliminate consideration of a ban of two-stroke engine equipment, including leaf blowers, for an indefinite period.  There would be no restrictions on private contractors such as gardening services.

  • Option B- to pursue a ban of two-stroke engine equipment on a phased-in basis, commencing in 2030.  The City's survey of residents indicated that over 70% supported a ban.  A survey of landscape services showed that most felt that a transition away from two-stroke engine equipment could be achieved in a period of approximately 5 years.  

We urge you to communicate with IEC on or before Tuesday, May 6 to support Option B.   

We feel that it can be amended to tighten its proposed timelines, and it would represent a positive move in the direction of a ban of two-stroke equipment. 

We have included below a sample letter you can copy into an email, and send to iec@toronto.ca.

Please include reference to agenda item IE21.4 at the top, insert your name and address at the bottom, and email to iec@toronto.ca.

Feel free to edit with your personal comments. You are welcome to attend the IEC Meeting on May 7 in person, and to register using the link below:

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2025.IE21.4

This is our time to shine!  Let's do it!

With our sincere thanks for your ongoing support,
Gasbusters Organizing Committee

gasbusterstoronto@gmail.com


                                                                                                                               Gasbusters sample email to IEC for May 7, 2025 Meeting


To: Infrastructure and Environment Committee, City of Toronto

iec@toronto.ca

 Re: IE21.4 - Transitioning Towards Zero-Emission Outdoor Power Equipment

Dear Madam Chair and Members of the IEC,

 As a resident of Toronto who strongly supports a ban of two-stroke engine small equipment, including gas-powered leaf blowers and related garden equipment, I urge you to vote in favour of Option B as presented in the City Staff report at your meeting on May 7, 2025, and to recommend its adoption by City Council later this month, with these suggested amendments:

 ŸThat the effective date of the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers be January 1, 2027, and that a seasonal exemption from October 1 to November 30 apply only until that date, after which no use of gas leaf blowers would be permitted.  That  will provide industry participants with sufficient time to adapt to the use of existing zero emission alternate equipment, and encouragement to manufacturers to continue their efforts to refine technology which can accommodate more demanding conditions during periods of heavy leaf accumulation.

 My view is based on the following points:

 1.     Gas leaf blowers and related garden equipment represent significant health hazards to operators and bystanders alike.  These are caused by excessive noise and harmful emissions that include carcinogens.

2.     City Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, and a ban on two-stroke equipment and its polluting effects is consistent with the aims of the City’s TransformTO Climate Action Strategy.

3.     Zero emission alternate equipment is readily available and is constantly being improved to be effective during all seasons.

4.     The City’s survey of business stakeholders indicates that some landscape businesses have already begun the transition to zero emission equipment, and that approximately two-thirds of respondents would support a phased-in ban.  Furthermore, those businesses that have converted to battery-powered equipment have reported benefits to their operations and staff.  The Committee and City should reward the progressive!

 The City’s survey of residents indicates that the strong majority of people share my opinion.  It is vital that the City take leadership in helping us to veer away from a climate crisis, and that the Committee begin that initiative by supporting a ban on two-stroke small engine equipment.

 Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[ insert name][ insert address]