New Westminster city council is taking a bit more time before making a commitment to tougher anti-smoking bylaws.
The Fraser Health Authority has asked the city to amend its smoking control bylaw to ban smoking: within 7.5 metres of doors, window and air intakes; on restaurant and pub patios; in parks, on beaches and on trails; in public places where people gather (such as outdoor playgrounds, playing fields, outdoor stadiums/sports venues); and at bus shelters and transit stops.
A staff report to city council stated that some cities have responded to requests by medical health officers and health groups (including the Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Lung Association) and imposed restrictions on smoking in outdoor space, while others (including Burnaby) have opposed further bylaw provisions and believe it's a health matter that should be addressed by the province.
Coun. Bill Harper said he recently attended a picnic in a local park, where adults stood away from children to have a cigarette.
"When you see them smoking, they stand on the side," he said. "Now they are going to have to walk out of the park."
Harper believes that smoking should be allowed in parks, under certain conditions. While earlier bans dealt with health risks associated with being exposed to second-hand smoke, he said the proposed regulations that are being sought are intended to deter people from smoking - and he doesn't think banning smoking in parks is going to stop people from smoking in parks or encourage them to quit smoking.
"People finally stop smoking when they come to grips with their addictions," he said. "It's not when someone puts up a sign in a park."
Harper also expressed concern that the city doesn't have the staff to enforce the bylaw.
"I, too, think this is a little heavy handed," said Coun. Chuck Puchmayr. "Smoking is a horrible thing. We are starting to turn the corner where it is more and more unacceptable."
Puchmayr said smoke-spewing trucks, trains and freighters contribute to air quality concerns, but smokers are targeted.
"There is enough peer pressure," he said. "That is the best way to stop people from smoking, not over regulation."
As a registered nurse, Coun. Betty McIntosh feels the City of New Westminster isn't being as progressive as it could be regarding smoking control bylaws. She believes there are things the city can do that would help level the playing field in Metro Vancouver.
"Go to California. California has put in major restrictions," she said. "People are still going to California."
Harper, however, said there's a "mish mash" of regulations among municipalities and not all Lower Mainland municipalities have endorsed all of the restrictions being sought in New Westminster.
Coun. Lorie Williams also supports toughening the city's bylaw, as she believes that the regulations would give more sustenance to the fact that the city wants to help stop smoking in public places.
"Eventually people do get used to it," she said of smoking restrictions.
Coun. Jonathan Cote said there has been a dramatic decline in smoking rates in B.C. in the past 20 years and he thinks there's a direct link between that and policies enacted by municipal and provincial governments. He said New Westminster has fallen behind initiatives implemented in other municipalities regarding smoking control bylaws.
"I'd like to see New Westminster join those other municipalities in terms of the options being proposed here."
City staff will prepare a bylaw amendment for council's consideration.
"We will bring back a bylaw for council to consider," said Keith Coueffin, the city's manager of licensing and integrated services. "You may wish to modify it." www.twitter.com/TheresaMcManus
