City councillor withdraws proposed curfew for gas powered lawn equipment after negative feedback
![Gas lawn mower - London - May 2024 A gas powered lawn mower is seen on London, Ont. on May 22, 2024. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/5/22/gas-lawn-mower---london---may-2024-1-6896939-1716486819371.jpg)
Several days after a motion was first put forward that would have limited the time of day when Londoners could use gas powered lawn equipment, the city councillor who proposed it is speaking out.
In a statement posted to Facebook on Saturday, Ward 11 Coun. Skylar Franke said she is withdrawing her current motion at the upcoming June 4 council meeting. Citing feedback from the community, Franke said the proposed 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. timeframe for the use of gas powered lawn care equipment was “too limiting” for Londoners.
“The intent of this motion was to reduce noise and emissions for the benefit of our community, but I understand that these restrictions could pose significant challenges for those with busy schedules and for local lawn care businesses,” Franke said. “While I still believe we must reduce emissions and noise wherever possible, it appears this will not be a viable solution for many.
The motion was first put forward by Franke to the Civic Works Committee on May 22 in response to community feedback regarding environmental concerns and the noise emitted by gas powered equipment.
The proposed motion immediately resulted in negative feedback from the community, including a social media post from London Mayor Josh Morgan.
“We have far more pressing issues to deal with," Morgan posted on May 23. “The message I've heard most from Londoners is one I agree with wholeheartedly: 'get off my lawn.'"
As a result of withdrawing the motion, Franke said she hopes Londoners can continue to “explore alternative solutions that balance the needs of all community members while addressing the issues of noise and emissions.”
Had the motion remained, city council would have decided during a meeting on June 4 whether to schedule a public meeting in July about reducing the hours for using gas lawn equipment.
Currently, the Sound By-law restricts the use of all lawn maintenance equipment to between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The proposal by Franke would have limited gas powered mowers, blowers and trimmers to between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Operating hours for electric lawn equipment would not have changed.
-- With files from CTV News London's Daryl Newcombe
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978604.1721996942!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Paris Olympics begin with unique opening ceremony along the Seine
The Paris Summer Olympics officially get underway today with a unique opening ceremony. Instead of marching into a stadium, representatives from more than 200 competing countries will enter the Games on boats along the River Seine.
BREAKING Canada Soccer head investigating 'systemic ethical shortcoming' amid spying scandal
The head of Canada Soccer said he is investigating a potential "systemic ethical shortcoming" as the organization deals with a drone-spying scandal at the Paris Olympics.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.
DEVELOPING Trudeau, with Australian and New Zealand PMs, pen letter renewing ceasefire calls for Gaza
Prime ministers of Canada, New Zealand and Australia released a letter renewing calls for an “urgent ceasefire” in Gaza on Friday morning.
Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics
Outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that sabotage and arson that hit key parts of France's high speed rail network on the eve of the Olympics had 'a clear objective: blocking the high speed train network.'
Latest updates on wildfires in Jasper National Park: Rain, cooler weather limiting spread
Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.
'He was just gone': Police ramp up search for vulnerable 3-year-old boy in Mississauga, Ont.
Police in Mississauga are conducting a full-scale search of the city’s biggest park for a non-verbal toddler who went missing Thursday evening. Sgt. Jennifer Trimble told reporters Friday morning that there has been no trace of three-year-old Zaid Abdullah since 6:20 p.m., when he was last seen with his parents in Erindale Park, near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road.
Sunken treasure: Is the champagne nestled in a 19th-century shipwreck still fit for a toast?
A team of Polish divers has discovered the wreckage of an old sailing ship loaded “to the brim” with luxury goods including porcelain items and about 100 bottles of Champagne and mineral water about 58 meters (190 feet) deep off the Swedish coast.
opinion 'Deadpool and Wolverine' review: A love letter to a bygone era
'Deadpool and Wolverine' is a showcase for the bromance stylings of its stars, who pull out all the stops to cap Fox's Marvel movies.