Windsor considers smoking ban in parks and beaches

Smokers in Windsor could soon be banned from lighting up in more public spaces, including parks, beaches and trails.

City staff are also recommending council redefineits regulations to includeelectronic cigarettes.

• Ban smoking at conservation areas, health unit says

In a report going to Monday's council meeting, staff suggest using tobacco enforcement officers from the health unit to implement the proposed regulations.

A revamped smoking ban would also include prohibition of smoking at bus shelters, marinas, recreation centres, conservation areas, and community gardens. But staff recommend creating designated smoking areas in some public spaces.

Stephen Lynn, the city's social planning coordinator, authored the report that outlines the need to prevent youth from being exposed to smoking.

"There exists the need to reduce child and youth exposure to smoking in the areas in which they engage in healthy recreational activities," he wrote.

Council request

Coun. Hilary Payne asked city staff back in January to explore ways to update the smoking bylaw, given the document had not been revisited in 10 years.

I his report, Lynn outlined three options, including maintaining the status quo. He also gives council the option of coming up with an all out ban that does not include designated smoking areas.

But Lynn argues designated smoking areas "have the potential to increase compliance" and reduce the risk of people standing on private property to smoke as they step outsidepublic spaces.