Fraser Health is asking city hall to help butt out smoking in New Westminster.
The health authority wrote to council in December 2013 asking that it make a decision about amendments that would toughen the smoking control bylaw that council had tabled earlier in the year.
“We hope council can come to a decision to accept the proposed amendments,” stated a letter from Fraser Health to city council. “Fraser Health is committed to supporting the implementation of the enhanced smoking bylaws and our ongoing partnership to make New Westminster a healthier community.”
Fraser Health wants the city to strengthen its bylaw by adopting amendments that would prohibit smoking within 7.5 metres of doors, windows and air intakes for public and workplace buildings, on restaurant and pub patios and in outdoor places where people gather such as parks, trails, beaches, playgrounds, playing fields and outdoor sports venues.
“It’s time for us to move forward,” said Coun. Betty McIntosh. “At no time did Fraser Health say we are going to do any enforcing. … They said they would be the ones doing the enforcing.”
On Monday, council referred the letter from Fraser Health to staff.
McIntosh said the province should deal with the issue by approving provincewide smoking regulations, but until that’s done she thinks it’s time for the city to step up and take action.
