The Vancouver Park Board has popped a proposal to ban balloons in all city parks, beaches, and community centres.
In a 5-2 vote, commissioners rejected the motion, which had gained national attention since it was introduced last week.
The ban was proposed as a way to stop balloons from entering the ocean and harming animals.
Green Party Park Board Commissioner Stuart Mackinnon, who introduced the motion, said its most important effect would be to let people know the environmental hazards of balloons.
Proponents of the ban said it takes years for the rubber to break down in the environment and these products also create choking hazards for children.
But critics, including several children’s entertainers, argued that community events would suffer and businesses would lose money if the ban was adopted.
Last modified: September 19, 2017
