Smokers here will have to do their puffing at least 5 metres away from any township owned building.
Council approved a new smoking bylaw on Sept. 13 even though officials are unsure exactly what the results of the new law will be.
Councillor Jim Curry said it is being passed because people currently have to pass through a haze of smoke walking from some buildings to parking lots to reach their vehicles. Because the bylaw states a distance from buildings, and not doorways, he wondered if there is a way to cordon off an area for smokers.
Public works director Larry Lynch said he has considered the bylaw for the arena in Drayton, and five metres can be a problem, “and I’m not sure how to handle it.”
He said, “In winter, if we push them out further, we’ll have to clear snow for them.”
And, he added, “It’s awkward at the arena. You can stand there, and the smoke will waft back” towards the entrance. He also noted, “The question becomes, do we provide ashtrays, or pick up cigarette butts?”
Curry wondered if the bylaw will be sent to the arena staff.
Clerk Patty Sinnamon said it will, and also to the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit.
Mayor Bruce Whale said he could foresee providing some smoking areas, almost “like a bus shelter.”
Lynch said the township will “have to look at each individual facility, because they are all different. We will have to look at every single one.”
Whale added the township might also have to monitor each one to see how the bylaw is working.
Lynch said the township has looked at how other municipalities handle the issue, which he said is simply “common courtesy.” He added he can bring pictures of all facilities to council, and noted signs are needed. He said in Moorefield in particular, signs will be needed at all doors.
Curry said the new bylaw will have to be included in the rental agreements for its buildings “so they [renters] are aware as well.”
He agreed the township will have issues. He noted standing in line and smoking at an outdoor concession stand could be a violation of the bylaw, and he wondered about people smoking inside a score keeping booth at ball diamonds.
Whale said, “We have to look at this as a courtesy. This gives us a little bit of clout. We don’t have the manpower to enforce it anywhere.”
He added if it does not work, the township can consider erecting smoking shelters.
The bylaw received final reading and passed 3-0, with councillors Neil Driscoll, Andy Knetsch and Curry in favour. Councillor Mike Downey was absent.
