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
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
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.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.