The next time you plan a graduation party, baby shower, or a birthday celebration, you might want to forgo the balloons.
The Town of Essex plans to ban the intentional release of non-biodegradable balloons. Those that are biodegradable won't be prohibited, although councillors hope the public just avoids releasing them altogether.
Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley was initially sceptical and didn't support the ban.
"I don't feel that we should be passing bylaws we can't enforce," he said.
However, with more education on the issue, Shepley changed his mind. He said he never realized it was a problem until it came up in a council meeting.
"I got all kinds of emails with examples of where these are being found," he said. "I didn't realize it was such a problem, and I'm sure many others don't either."
For Shepley, a public education campaign, notifying the public of the environmental and animal risks, may be more important than the ban.
"We'll do better. Most people do if they realize the problems caused by it," said Shepley.
The bylaw isn't legislation yet. Essex Town Council still has to hold a third vote on it.
