EDMONTON - Edmonton’s potential anti-idling bylaw motored a little further ahead Tuesday when a committee agreed to consider restrictions on vehicles running near schools and hospitals.

“We’re talking about pollution on a very local level. That’s what this deals with,” Coun. Ben Henderson told the transportation and public works committee.

“There’s nothing that sends any kind of signal right now. If (a) parent sits there and says, ‘Piss off, I’m going to keep my vehicle idling,’ we’re powerless to do anything.”

In 2009, council voted against imposing citywide limits on idling, opting instead for a publicity campaign.

The latest bylaw would prohibit the practice only around schools, hospitals, senior centres and other places where physically “vulnerable” people gather.

However, the draft provisions wouldn’t apply when the temperature is below –10 C or below 10 C for taxis and public buses.

Other exemptions include work and emergency trucks, running engines to operate equipment and clearing frosty windows.

Violators would face a $250 fine. A city report lists seven cities and towns across Canada that target idling by time of day, type of vehicle or location.

At least six other municipalities in Alberta, including St. Albert and Beaumont, have general anti-idling bylaws, along with such major American jurisdictions as Utah and New York City.

The proposal will return to the committee June 28 following consultation with school boards and Alberta Health.

Jane Sterling, a spokeswoman for the Edmonton public school board, said later the board has long favoured a bylaw against idling around schools.

“We recognize that (emissions) can be taken into the schools through the (ventilation) system, or when children are younger it’s probably hitting them right in the face.”

Dr. Marcia Johnson, Alberta Health Services medical officer of health for the Edmonton region, said in an interview that although she hasn’t read the proposal, in general “(hospitals) seem like a reasonable place to start.”

But Coun. Tony Caterina continued his opposition to the move, saying the city should instead improve its public education program.

“It’s not going to change much. Do we have air quality events? Do we tell people to stay inside? Do they walk around with masks?” he asked city staff.

“Can you quantify how you’re going to affect emissions in the city … outside of sending a message?”

Coun. Don Iveson said the latest motion is a step in the right direction by moving toward another council vote that will show whether there’s support for any restrictions.

“If you talk to parents around schools concerned about the health of their children, then it’s a huge issue. Some councillors might be out of touch with that.”

gkent@edmontonjournal.com