Temporary smoking area permits for outdoor events would be made available as part of sweeping changes to bylaws that would further restrict the habit, while also adding vape products to existing legislation.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Proposed changes to local smoking bylaws would add vaping to pot, cigarettes and cigars – items already banned in city facilities and parks – but also now allow ability for temporary permits and smoking areas at outdoor public events.
Changes unveiled at Monday’s meeting of council’s public services committee would also capture outdoor venues for events, defined as grandstands, festivals, outdoor skating rinks and other venues.
“As a parent that goes to festival events with my kids, I won’t judge anyone for vaping or smoking or using cannabis – that’s their choice,” said committee chair Coun. Ramona Robins. “But I’d like to know where it’s happening, so I could maybe not walk by, or have a conversation about it.”
Updating the city’s smoking bylaws was suggested in 2018 when cannabis was legalized, but council held off stating that time was required to understand what effect the change may have. Local administrators also paused an update until after the province decided on updating its own anti-smoking efforts.
The local proposal will go to city council for approval at the Feb. 6 meeting.
The original 2013 bylaw prohibited smoking within 10 metres of a city beach, pool, park, playground, the trail system, sports field or splash park.
The provincial government’s 2021 Tobacco, Smoking and Vaping Reduction Act added some new rules, but didn’t touch on locations such as parks or public events, though parking lots are excluded.
Coun. Alison Van Dyke said her questions revolved around legal products and how far the city could go to further regulate it, especially if a person has a medical prescription to use cannabis.
“I support the work to not normalize smoking for children and young adults, but we’re talking about a group of adults that is already highly restricted,” she said. “Everyone thinks that everyone has a yard or a balcony, but not everybody has that.”
Administrators said neither bylaws include parking lot areas while generally supporting the goal of reducing the visibility of people using tobacco or vape products – something health groups have long called for.
“People who distance themselves wouldn’t have an issue and that’s permitted even under the existing bylaw,” said public services managing director Brian Mastel. “It’s similar to what happens today.”
Public input gathered this summer showed two-thirds support for adding restricted areas. Similar numbers supported adding vaping, also known as e-cigarettes, as well as allowing temporary permits.
If guilty, offenders would face the same potential fines, $100, or $200 up to $2,000 for subsequent offences.
If approved, several other city bylaws would be rescinded, including the “Smoke Free Vehicles for Minors Bylaw,” which local administrators say is now redundant considering provincial rules supersede it.
