A Mission organization is encouraging drivers to turn off their engines.
Building Resilience In Mission (BRIM) says idling has become a significant issue near school grounds, parks and sports fields.
According to a letter submitted to the Mission Record from BRIM’s Nicole Bellay, anti-idling signs have been placed throughout Mission.
“We’re particularly concerned about the impact of these pollutants on children’s developing lungs. Breathing in these harmful chemicals can have long-term health consequences,” Bellay wrote.
BRIM is a community-driven initiative aimed at encouraging drivers to turn off their engines when not in motion.
On school grounds, Bellay says parents often leave their engines running while waiting for their children.
“As a result, children are greeted at the end of the day by clouds of harmful pollution,” the letter reads.
Meanwhile, idling cars are a common sight at parks and sports fields during youth practices and games, according to the letter.
“In some cases, vehicles run for the entire duration of these activities. This creates an unhealthy environment for kids playing and exercising outdoors,” Bellay said.
Walks are an alternative way to stay warm and active instead of idling, Bellay says.
“If walking isn’t an option, finding a nearby warm indoor space might be a better choice than sitting in a running car, emitting pollution into the air where children are playing,” Bellay wrote.
The letter was also attached as correspondence on the agenda for Mission’s council meeting last week (March 3).
Coun. Danny Plecas suggested the letter be forwarded to the Environmental Charter Advisory Committee.
Mission Mayor Paul Horn said the development of an anti-idling bylaw is included in the environmental charter. Horn added that city staff worked with Bellay on anti-idling signage at Mission Sports Park but some signs in other locations needed to be removed because they were in places where they weren't compliant.
