Newsletter July 7, 2025

Jul 8

Climate Crisis in Toronto

July 8, 2025

TO: mayor_chow and councillors

Toronto City Council

Subject: Urgent Action Needed – Restrict Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers During High Air Pollution Events

Dear Mayor Chow and Members of Toronto City Council,

I am writing to urge City Council to take immediate action to protect public health by restricting the use of 2-cycle gas-powered leaf blowers during periods of Very High-Risk air pollution, as measured by Ontario’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).

On July 3, 4, and 5, downtown Toronto’s AQHI reached Level 10 – Very High Risk, posing a serious threat to the health of residents, especially children, seniors, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. This is not an isolated event—it is part of a worsening trend driven by climate change and urban pollution.

· In November 2023, the Toronto Board of Health (TBH) adopted :

HL8.3 – Public Health Impacts of Climate Change in Toronto, which states:

“Climate change is not only an environmental problem—it is one of the most pressing health issues of the 21st century. An overwhelming 89% of Torontonians now believe that climate change threatens their personal health and well-being.”

· Further, in July 2025, Toronto Board of Health (TBH) adopted:

HL26.5 – Planning for Climate Change: Monitoring to Understand Health Impacts and Support Resilience in Toronto, reinforcing the need for strong, science-based policy action.

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Gas-powered leaf blowers—especially those using 2-cycle engines—are among the worst contributors to localized air pollution. These machines emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic gases that enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Continued use of this equipment during high-pollution events directly contradicts the city’s stated public health and climate goals.

I urge City Council to: