Gum be gone: Vancouver Island man’s attempt to purge city streets of chewing gum

WATCH: A Vancouver Island man is going after the scourge of city sidewalks everywhere…gum. Kylie Stanton explains

A 71-year-old entrepreneur from Vancouver Island is on a mission to make sure there is no chewing gum splattered on the streets of his city.

“I am an official Gum Eradicator, but Gum Buster is fine with me. You can call me what you like!” says Bruce Johnson.

Johnson is best known in the community as an entrepreneur who introduced frozen yogurt to the Island and established a fleet of solar-powered trash compactors, among other endeavours.

Armed with a”Gum Be Gone” gum removal machine strapped to his back and a steam-powered wand in his hand, Johnson is launching yet another pioneering business in his town.

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His latest venture aims to clean the streets of the countless pieces of chewing gum spit out on the street.

Powered by a switch that starts the pump, the machine produces a steam-infused mixture of chemicals that breaks down the gum.

Pointing the steam-pouring wand at a gum splatter Johnson explains the process.

“Heat up the gum, use the brush…there, gone!”

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The Gum Be Gone, unlike commonly used gum removal methods like power-washers, is non-invasive and quiet. It also works on any surface without impact.

These selling points helped Johnson land some high-profile contracts such as the Victoria airport, shopping centres and the provincial museum.

Johnson says City of Victoria officials have already spoken to him and they are interested in his venture.

“We are the capital city of British Columbia, and if we can make our downtown sparkling…why not?” said an enthusiastic Lisa Helps, Mayor of Victoria.

“I imagine the City of Victoria workers putting those machines to good use.”