City Seeks Input Into Proposed Bylaw Changes

The proposed Bylaw changes would not include throwing cigarette butts on City-owned sidewalks that is under anti-littering bylaws

If you want to be heard - whether for or against - the proposed expanded anti-smoking Bylaw you have until April 11th to do so.

In a release the City of Moose Jaw states it is looking for feedback into the proposed changes.

The changes to the existing bylaw are as follows:

(a) Expand the parameters of “smoke and hold lighted tobacco” in the current Bylaw to include e- cigarettes (vaping), the smoking of cannabis and smoking of hookah pipes;

(b) Prohibit smoking and vaping on outdoor seating areas of restaurants, bars and similar establishments;

(c) Prohibit outdoor smoking in all City-owned outdoor public spaces;

(d) Prohibit smoking and vaping within a 10-metre buffer zone of entrances, windows and air exchanges of public buildings;

(e) Prohibit vaping in enclosed public places where smoking is prohibited under The Tobacco Control Act;

(f) Have an exemption consistent with The Tobacco Control Act in relation to outdoor traditional spiritual and cultural ceremonies;

(g) Have an exemption for teaching and testing devices in a vape retail store

During Monday evening’s Executive Committee meeting concerns were raised by some members of Council that the new expanded Bylaw would also include city owned property rented or controlled by groups such as the Lynnbrook Country Club, the Hillcrest Country Club and Ross Wells Park.

Mention was also made during the discussion would City-owned outdoor public spaces also include all public sidewalks but that was played downed by third party anti-smoking special interest presenters who spoke before Executive Committee. Those groups included the Canadian Cancer Society and the Lung Association as well as the Saskatchewan Health District.

The Bylaw as it reads would include course areas of the golf courses who lease from the City and not just around the club houses and other buildings.

To view the current Smoking Bylaw (No. 5192) and the proposed amendments (No. 5575), click the Smoking Bylaw Amendments header on the home page of www.MooseJaw.ca.

The City of Moose Jaw will accept written comments/suggestions regarding the proposed Bylaw amendments until April 11, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. All submissions may be emailed to: cclerk@moosejaw.ca or sent via regular mail to: City of Moose Jaw, City Clerks Department 228 Main Street North.

SEE RELATED - The Tobacco Gestapo Returns