Town of Essex bans intentional non-biodegradable balloon releases

The Town of Essex has banned the release of non-biodegradable balloons into the air. CTV Windsor’s Bob Bellacicco explores.

The Town of Essex is asking you to find a new way to celebrate and honour different occasions, banning all intentional non-biodegradable balloon releases.

Harrow resident Rachel Mills was at Essex town council Tuesday night supporting the amendment of a bylaw prohibiting the release of non-biodegradable balloons into the air.

“This bylaw does set the precedent that we’re good neighbours,” Mills expressed to council during her address.

“This bylaw doesn’t necessarily have to be viewed as something that is a restriction, more founding it on shared responsibility for our community.”

Councillor Kim Verbeek said the bylaw is a step in the right direction.

“Now I think we focus on the education piece and awareness,” she said.

She showed a CTV camera the balloons that were picked up during a recent community cleaning, after their usefulness.

“What you just saw in the back of my van is just a sampling of what we’re picking up on a monthly basis,” Verbeek said.

Derek Coronado, executive director of Citizens Environmental Alliance, said plastics pollution has gotten out of hand.

“Balloons are made out of plastic and, of course, we have a huge plastics problem throughout the Great Lakes basin,” Coronado told CTV News.

“It causes all kinds of problems for birds, not to mention other animals, of course, people’s pets as well can get into this type of plastic and cause problems for them. The whole range of species basically are affected by plastics and the pollution that essentially we are creating and putting out into the environment randomly.”

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley was previously against the motion until people sent him pictures.

“Adding this to our bylaw. It’s bringing you guys out and it’s getting the word out about the bylaw, but also about what the problems are,” said Shepley.

Many residents agree with the bylaw because it protects the environment and wildlife, but also the question of how it will be enforced.

Administration said the town plans to respond to bylaw infringement claims as best they can and in the same way they deal with other dumping claims. The fine of $105 is the same as other dumping infractions.

Verbeek also encouraged residents to look for alternative ways to mark an occasion.

“Perhaps the classroom teacher that would buy 36 balloons to be released at graduation, now buys 36 tulips or makes a memorial garden. You can fly kites; you can blow bubbles,” said Verbeek who is hoping other municipalities adopt their bylaw.