It’s a good year for New West residents who’ve made New Year’s resolutions to quit smoking.
As of Jan. 1, changes to local bylaws mean smoking is now banned on restaurant and pub patios, and within 15 meters of outdoor sports facilities, playgrounds, off-leash dog parks and picnic areas in city parks.
“The reality is that if you are constantly surrounded by people who are smoking, it will be harder for you to stick to your New Year’s resolution to quit smoking,” said Fraser Health medical health officer Dr. Lisa Mu in a recent press release. “Through our Healthy Community Partnership Committee with the City of New Westminster, we can support you to quit smoking, and discourage others from even starting, by creating more smoke-free environments.”
The new bans, passed in April 2014, were nearly two years in the making, after the Fraser Health Authority asked the city to amend its smoking control bylaw in 2012.
Council couldn't agree on how to handle the issue, with some councillors supporting complete bans in all public areas and others voicing concern about how the changes would affect people in parks or attending functions at facilities such as Queens Park Arena.
Then-councillor Jonathan Cote said in April the amendments were a "compromise solution" that would allow the city to move forward on the issue.
Under the new bylaws, business owners are required to display prominent ‘no smoking’ signs, remove ashtrays and take steps to make sure smoking doesn’t take place on their premises.
A limited number of no-smoking signs and decals are available for pickup at New Westminster City facilities and at the Fraser Health public health unit.
For more information on the bylaws, smoking cessation support, roles and responsibilities of businesses, and the Healthier Community Partnership Committee, visit www.newwestcity.ca.
