Prince George City Council is making progress on a bylaw regulating smoking and vaping.
In a survey of 584 city residents taken last year, 81% were in favour of something like a Smoke and Vape Free Places Bylaw, many citing health reasons and the “rights of non-smokers to a smoke-free environment.” On the other hand, about 180 opposed it because of vaping restrictions, unfair targeting of smokers, enforcement costs, and suggesting the City had higher priorities.
This proposed bylaw was delayed going back to Council while the Provincial Government amended the BC Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act, which were implemented on September 1st, 2016.
Council set a public hearing date for December 5th, one of three recommendations from staff that were passed. Mayor Lyn Hall thinks it’ll be a good chance to hear more from residents.
“I’m sure that you’re going to get a strong comment from both sides of the smoking issue. We’ve seen that in the past and I’ve seen it in other communities so we’ll probably see much the same here.”
Council also agreed to endorse a requirement for smoke and vape-free outdoor public places, based on a recommendation from the Canadian Cancer Society.
In creating the bylaw, the city would also need to set up 456 signs throughout Prince George playgrounds, sports fields, city facilities, and parks. Many Councillors were concerned about the price – an estimated $68,400 – but staff assured that there is some “wiggle room.”
First and second readings passed with some amendments. The biggest one was moving the smoking buffer to 6 metres from a building to meet the provincial standard. The draft initially had the buffer at 9 metres.