Our colleagues at Gasbusters, a Toronto-based volunteer advocacy group, are working to ban gas-powered leaf blowers and similar two-stroke landscaping equipment. It’s vastly more complicated to accomplish than one might have hoped, but the fight continues:
Let’s keep our neighbourhood’s air safe this summer
Last summer, wildfire smoke pushed Toronto’s air quality into high and very high-risk levels with multiple advisories- and at times ranking Toronto among the most polluted cities in the world. Many of us felt it: irritated eyes, coughing, and real concern about what we and our families were breathing. During these periods, every source of pollution matters.
That’s why the City is taking action.
When wildfire smoke pushes Toronto’s Air Quality Health Index into high or very high risk (7–10) the City will direct its operations, businesses, and residents to refrain, when possible, from using gas-powered leaf blowers – recognizing the added pollution which adds unnecessary exhaust and fine particles to already unhealthy air. The City has also directed its Chief Communications Officer to ensure residents and businesses understand both the guidance and the serious health risks behind it. This is more than a recommendation — it’s a clear signal that public health must come first, and cleaner, quieter alternatives are available.
(Toronto City Council Motion: See Item – 2025.IE25.13 for more details)
This is about being good neighbours.
By choosing quieter, cleaner alternatives – or simply postponing non-essential yard work – we can all help reduce pollution when it matters most. Small actions make a real difference, especially for children, seniors, and anyone with asthma or other respiratory conditions.