I am currently on maternity leave with my two kids and am at my wit's end. This is not because of my newborn crying, or the rain, or my toddler's tantrums, but rather because I am constantly surrounded by the sound of a leaf blower.

It's March, not even the fall season, yet they appear every single weekday.

Currently I hear two, which is much better than when I often hear at least five. One is currently pushing puddles, and the other is going from door to door pushing dirt and other particulate matter from one area to another. It's not only the hellish sound, but the emissions, which are known to be far more polluting than cars from the 80s. Even with all my windows closed, the smell of gas seeps into my home and is inhaled by my children. When I step outside, it is obviously much stronger, only in addition there are mold, dust and other allergen particulates floating around. I have video footage of five leaf blowers going full steam down my back lane in army formation. They perhaps had five leaves each to move.

In between looking after my family, I am slowly putting together some facts, footage and information to take to my city council in hopes we can explore a ban on what I believe to be the worst invention of all time. Otherwise, I am prepared to voluntarily rake the entire city if that's what it takes.

Jane Thomsing Port Coquitlam