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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.