A motion by Coun. Alice Lutes to look at a smoke free bylaw for outdoor public spaces in Sechelt was quickly defeated at the April 4 council meeting.
The motion was made after council accepted correspondence from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and The Lung Association of B.C. encouraging such a bylaw.
Coun. Chris Moore was the first to speak against the motion, saying if a bylaw was adopted, the District would have the tricky and time-consuming job of enforcing it.
"I know the thing to do these days is to bring in a bylaw along this level. But I'll tell you: they're easy to put in place, but they're hard to enforce," Moore said.
Coun. Doug Hockley agreed, adding the bylaw was a little bit "too Big Brother" for him.
"I think these rules are becoming so inhibiting to people's free choice that I'm against it on that principle alone," Hockley said.
Lutes defended her motion, saying it was important to set a high standard to try to protect young people from the harmful effects of smoking on District owned property.
"I don't think we're asking too much when we suggest that they don't smoke in public places," Lutes said.
When the question was called, only Lutes and Coun. Mike Shanks voted in favour of the motion. Mayor John Henderson and councillors Darnelda Siegers, Tom Lamb, Moore and Hockley voted against the motion, effectively defeating it.
Concrete
Council formally gave first reading to the official community plan (OCP) and zoning amendment bylaws needed for Stockwell Sand and Gravel to erect a concrete batch plant at their gravel mine.
Lamb voted against giving the OCP amendment first reading, and both he and Lutes voted against giving the zoning amendment bylaw first reading.
No comments were made, but the votes in favour were enough to pass both bylaws through first reading. A public hearing on the matter will be scheduled in the future.
Wastewater
Council released in-camera items showing five companies that will be asked to submit proposals for a new wastewater treatment plant for Sechelt.
The companies are Tritech Water Infrastructure Solutions and Stantec, Ledcor-Hatch Mott Mac-donald-Carver, SNC-Lavalin, Maple Reindeers and Urban Systems Ltd. and Knappet Projects Inc.
Target bylaws
The OCP amendment bylaw and zoning amendment bylaw needed to once again permit Target Marine Hatcheries to harvest sturgeon for caviar onsite was passed unanimously through first reading at the April 4 meeting, with no discussion.
Farmers' Market
Henderson reminded everyone this Saturday, April 7, the Sechelt Farmers' and Artisans' Market starts up at its new location at the end of Cowrie Street where it turns into Shorncliffe Avenue. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)