CSL queried about ban, restriction of leaf blowers

By Joel Goldenberg, October 3rd, 2012

The City of Côte St. Luc has sometimes considered, but has never enacted, a ban on the use of leaf blowers, Mayor Anthony Housefather recently told a resident.
The resident asked at the September council meeting when gardeners and construction workers are allowed to start using machines like hedge clippers, leaf blowers, lawnmowers, drills, saws “and similar noisy tools” each morning.
Housefather said that, according to the city's noise bylaw, work can begin 7 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends and statutory holidays, and must end 9 p.m. weekends, weekdays and statutory holidays.
The resident proposed that the start time on weekdays be changed from 7 to 8 a.m.
“7 a.m. is too early,” he said.
Housefather noted the request.
The resident also pointed out that some municipalities, such as Montreal West, have restricted the use of leaf blowers, which are banned except for a few weeks in the spring and fall. “What is the position of Côte St. Luc in this matter?” the resident asked. “Has the city considered banning leaf blowers or, in some way, restricting their use?”
Housefather said there is no ban on leaf blowers in the city's bylaws.
“Has the city considered it - yes, at various times over the years,” the mayor added. “Most cities do not ban leaf blowers, whether at any time or certain times. Some cities do. There are pros and cons, and some of the cons are that the gardeners have to do more work manually or with different kinds of equipment and it will cost people more.
“It's something we have considered, and so far council has not been in a majority to ban leaf blowers at any occasion. But it's something that comes up for discussion frequently and I'm sure your comments will inspire further discussion.”n