Proposed ban on balloons voted down by Vancouver Park Board

VANCOUVER — A proposed ban on balloons at any beach, park or community centre has been rejected by the Vancouver Park Board.

The ban was proposed as a way to stop balloons from entering the ocean and harming animals.

The motion, put forward by board commissioner Stuart Mackinnon, said sea and land animals frequently see deflated balloons as a source of food, especially sea turtles, birds and dolphins.

It also said strings or ribbons attached to balloons are just as harmful to animals.