New Canaan’s summertime ban on gas-powered leaf blowers is now in effect, following a referendum vote Saturday. The referendum vote bookends a years-long debate in town regarding the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. Most recently, the town began to consider a possible ban or restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers four years ago, and the issue returned with force last summer. Those in favor have argued for more quiet in the summer and cited environmental and public health benefits of reducing the use of noisy gas-powered leaf blowers. Under the new ordinance, gas-powered leaf blowers are banned from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.