Ottawa phasing out the use of small, gas-powered garden tools on city property
Gas-powered garden tools could soon be put in the city of Ottawa's garage for good.
Council approved a motion from Coun. Rawlson King to begin phasing out the use of small, gas-powered lawn and yard equipment by city staff in parks, gardens and on city property. The gas-powered lawn and yard equipment will be replaced with electric alternatives where operationally feasible.
"The aim is to reduce air and noise pollution generated by gas-powered equipment, such as leaf blowers," city staff said.
Staff will pilot the use of electric equipment and begin testing for suitability starting this summer, with six crews using electric and battery-powered equipment.
"We fully expect the phase out plan will be carried out over multiple years based on the industry's capacity to meet our operational demands," said Alain Gonthier, Ottawa's general manager of Public Works.
Parks Services issued a tender for the supply and delivery of various battery powered landscape equipment, including string trimmers, handheld blowers, pruning chainsaws and hedge trimmers.
Staff will report back with a detailed plan to reduce emissions and the environmental impacts of equipment later this year.
The National Capital Commission is banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers and small chainsaws on NCC lands starting on April 1, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.