Creston cigarette smokers could face further restrictions if Creston town council’s response to a Kootenay Smoke Free Coalition presentation at the May 13 regular meeting is any indication.
A delegation, including representatives from the BC Cancer Agency, Canadian Cancer Society and Interior Health gave council an overview of health, environmental and economic impacts of second-hand smoke. Support for bylaws banning smoking in some outdoor locations is growing across Canada, they said. About 30 B.C. municipalities have bylaws in place, with others considering similar action.
Bylaws typically include municipality-managed properties like trails, plazas, parks, beaches and recreation facilities, and bar and restaurant patios. They include an exemption for traditional tobacco ceremonies.
Coun. Judy Gadicke said her concern was answered when Interior Health’s Trish Hill said education, not policing, is the prime goal.
“We have heard from smokers who have said that the bylaw has helped them to reduce consumption,” she said. “Most smokers do not want to see younger generations taking up the habit.”
Most smokers comply with bylaws and peer enforcement plays a large role, with others being able to point out that smoking is restricted in defined areas, she said.
Council (in the absence of Couns. Wesly Graham and Tanya Wall) voted to direct staff to produce a report about bylaw options for Creston.
Council Briefs
•Audited financial statements outlining the town’s 2013 financial position, were presented by Erin Carr of Gadicke & Carr. The statements will be available for viewing on the Town of Creston website before the end of June.
•Council voted to opt out of a liquor primary licence application for Creston and District Community Complex, which means the town will allow the Regional District of Central Kootenay facility staff to work directly with the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
•A letter was received from Telus reporting that the fibre optic network currently being installed through the town involves a $4 million investment in the community.
•A request to use the parking lot adjacent to Millennium Park for a fourth annual automotive swap meet on Sept. 13 was approved.
•Council approved a $500 grant from the discretionary fund to help Canyon-Lister Elementary School students attend the Pines Bible Camp and outdoor education centre in Grand Forks next month.
•A special committee of the whole meeting to discuss development cost charges was scheduled for 4 p.m. June 3.
•A letter of support will be sent to the College of the Rockies to support an application to deliver a targeted initiative for older workers program. The goal of the program is to assist older workers to re-enter the workforce or become self-employed.
•Approval was given for some short road closures to be made on June 7 to accommodate the third annual Just “Tri” It Triathlon from 8 a.m.-noon.