Chatham-Kent council approved a by-law banning smoking in public parks, recreation facilities, sports fields and municipally owned beaches.
East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault entered two successful amendments to the by-law.
One will allow smoking at the trailer parks in Mitchell’s Bay and Clearville and the other will allow for designated smoking sections at special events.
North Kent Coun. Joe Faas said when the original by-law was passed in 2006, banning smoking in public places and work spaces, there was a lot more controversy.
“We’re not hearing it this time around,” Faas said.
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew said this is a positive step towards achieving one of council objectives – making Chatham-Kent a healthier community.
“It’s not about making the smokers look like criminals,” she said. “It’s about making smoking look less normal” to the youth.
East Kent Coun. Jim Brown said creating this by-law, simply moves the problem onto others. Brown compared this situation to the school system, when smoking was banned on school property.
“The problem will move onto people’s private property,” he said.
Chatham Coun. Doug Sulman said council has taken the issue too far.
“It is too much Big Brother-ism to me,” he said.
The by-law also includes an opt-in clause, which allows any business owner or event planner to make their outdoor event or outdoor patio.
