The City of Kelowna is banning smoking Virginia and other cigarettes in all its city parks, beaches and recreational areas.“We have had a lot of feedback from people saying I would like to be able to enjoy the parks and beaches without the litter and without having to breathe in second hand smoke,” says Ian Wilson, Urban Forestry and Parks Supervisor with the City of Kelowna.
Kelowna City council has instructed City staff to change the bylaws, making the Okanagan city the 39th municipality in the province to impose such a ban.
“There is a pretty clear health research body out there that says this is a good idea for public health,” says Wilson. “The second aspect, of course, is fire hazard. There is also a litter aspect around beaches. A lot of butts get discarded.”
The City of Penticton recently decided against a widespread smoking ban, instead opting for an education campaign.
“It’s another step in the direction North American society has taken,” says Wilson. “I mean, 20 years ago, it was quite common for people to smoke indoors in their offices, in hospitals. Even I think this has been a slow progression over time and that smoking has become less and less of the norm.”
Once the bylaw changes are made, it will go back to council for final approval but the ban should be in place in the next few months.
Kelowna City council may also extend the ban to all pub and restaurant patios.
No comments:
Post a Comment