MORE WASTED MONEY IN NORTH PERTH

No New North Perth Smoking By-Law
Thursday, August 16, 2012 5:21 am
Smoking in North Perth's public outdoor areas will not be further restricted at least for now. After considering a few options including a complete ban in designated areas or setting a distance limit, Council has decided not to make any changes.Mayor Julie Behrns explains, "Some of them, certainly because of the inability for the municipality to enforce them, are really not the best efficient use of time for either our by-law enforcement officer or our OPP. "The discussion was sparked by sporadic calls to staff from residents expressing concerns with smoking in public entrances, parks and recreational facilities.Staff indicate there have been a few specific complaints involving smoking during community outdoor events involving children. As a result, there was a request for a new Smoking By-Law.North Perth's Mayor indicates the municipality is supportive of community groups who do not wish to allow smoking at planned events. Behrns states, "Any group hosting any event if they choose to sign it as 'Smoke Free' and advertise it as 'Smoke Free' we certainly would encourage that."Behrns stresses, "Certainly we are going with the Smoke Free Ontario Act and as well we do have a North Perth By-Law 120 that regulates smoking in some facilities etcetera."According to a staff report, 60 Ontario municipalities have enacted By-Laws regulating smoking in outdoor public places