Sechelt council passed a new smoking bylaw Dec. 5 in a unanimous vote.
The District of Sechelt says the bylaw builds on input from community consultations in 2016 and 2018, and current provincial legislation on smoking and vaping that prohibits them in indoor public spaces and workplaces, school grounds and health facilities.
It includes a definition of “smoking” that covers all forms of smoking tobacco, cannabis, or any other substance, vaping and e-cigarettes.
The main provision of the bylaw restricts smoking to areas outside 7.5 metres from:
• Common areas such as building lobbies, foyers, stairwells, elevators, corridors, cloakrooms, washrooms, food court seating areas and other public spaces inside the building.
• Customer service areas such as balconies, patios, yards or sidewalk patios connected to a business that serves food and beverages.
• Places of public assembly, such as the district offices, library, community meeting rooms, recreation centre, and churches.
• Outdoor public spaces owned, controlled or operated by the district, including playgrounds, sport fields, arenas, designated trails, parks and some beach areas, and bike and skate parks.
• Outdoor public events on property owned, controlled or operated by the District.
• Bus stops and shelters.
“This bylaw brings Sechelt in line with other municipalities across Canada working to ensure public spaces are enjoyable for everyone while protecting our natural environment,” said Tracy Corbett, director planning and development.
