Tire-deflating climate activists coming to Vancouver 'soon,' group says
A group of climate activists who "disarm" SUVs by deflating their tires is preparing to target vehicles in Vancouver, according to a representative.
Members of the self-dubbed "Tyre Extinguishers" caused frustration for a number of motorists on Vancouver Island last week, claiming to have immobilized 34 SUVs in Victoria and Oak Bay.
Police confirmed they received two reports of deflated tires in Victoria and nine in Oak Bay.
The Tyre Extinguishers' Twitter account has since put out a call asking any Vancouver residents interested in joining the cause to get in touch.
"Stay tuned for actions soon!" a representative told CTV News Vancouver when asked about the group's plans. "Obviously we're not going to go into more detail than that."
The representative did not answer when asked how many people have responded to its Twitter invitation, which was posted on Tuesday.
The Vancouver Police Department said no incidents had been reported locally as of Thursday afternoon, but that authorities are aware of the possibility and monitoring the situation.
Police have cautioned that anyone caught deflating tires could face charges of mischief under $5,000, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison under the Criminal Code.
The Tyre Extinguishers want to see SUVs banned in urban areas, citing an analysis that found the vehicles have been the second-largest contributor to rising global carbon dioxide emissions since 2010, surpassing even the aviation industry.
"SUVs are more detrimental to our climate than people might realize," the group said in a statement Friday. "We are taking action into our own hands because our governments and politicians will not."
But the activists' efforts on Vancouver Island were met with quick backlash, even by some supporters of stronger climate action – including a man whose pregnant daughter's SUV was among the vehicles targeted.
"This is not the way to get the message across," Robert Kennedy told CTV News. "She's certainly not going to entertain what these folks are trying to achieve and get rid of her SUV."
The Tyre Extinguishers have also called for pollution taxes and increased investment in public transit.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.