This report responds to a request ( 2023.IE1.11 ) to report back with a plan to implement a ban on use of two-stroke engine leaf blowers, lawnmowers and other small engine equipment because of their adverse impact on air quality and human health. To support consideration by City Council on implementing a potential ban on the use of two-stroke engines, a two-step decision making approach is being taken. This report outlines the first step, which is to seek Council direction on whether Council wishes to pursue a ban on two-stroke engines within Toronto. Subject to City Council direction and resourcing, and following consultation with residents and businesses, a second report would be brought forward to provide a detailed plan to establish, implement, enforce and encourage compliance with a ban, including a proposed bylaw. Previous reports brought to City Council have described the impact of two-stroke engine leaf blowers on climate, air quality and health, and noise. This report provides a compendium of the City's past decisions and activities on the topic of two-stroke engine equipment. Separately, staff have determined that each of the three approaches of climate, health and noise have not individually provided a sufficient rationale for action to be taken to ban the use of two-stroke engines. Furthermore, based on the information reviewed to date, staff have not identified a sufficient rationale from whatever combined or cumulative adverse impacts to climate and human health may exist to recommend a ban at this time. However, City Council may decide to take a precautionary approach with respect to these climate, health and noise factors and enact a ban regardless. Generally speaking, City Council has the authority to ban the use of two-stroke engine small equipment depending on the nature, scope, adoption, and implementation of the measure. A parallel report, on the City of Toronto's corporate transition plan and feasibility assessment of phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers for municipal use, is being led by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services and the General Manager, Fleet Services and will be brought forward to Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the first quarter 2024.
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