Windsor bans smoking in most public spaces

Despite a push from health officials to outright ban smoking in Windsor, city council settled on a ban with a few minor exceptions.

Most public spaces, such as parks, beaches and community gardens will becomesmoke-free afterMonday night's decision.

• Windsor considers smoking ban in parks and beaches

The only exception will be for sports fans and other visitors at the WFCU Centre, where an outdoor area will become a designated smoking spot.

All recreation centres will, for the most part, be smoke-free as well, except for about a dozen sites that can have designated smoking areas when people renting the facility apply for permits.

"I think it's balanced and I think it's reasonable," said Coun. Fred Francis.

'You're almost there'

Health officials lobbied to get council to take their changes a step further by banning smoking on all city property.

Medical health officer Dr. Gary Kirk said creating designated smoking areas fails to send a clear message to the public.

"It's an inconsistent message. It says it's not right to smoke, but in some cases we're going to let you enhance your risk," he said. "It makes education tougher for the population, and it makes enforcement more difficult."

Kirk had support from Coun. Bill Marra, who also asked council to support a city-wide ban.

"Are we protecting the health of our community or are we going to worry about the 15 or 20 per cent who are smokers?" Marra said. "Is this about health or is it about inconvenience? I'll choose health."

Marra had support from several colleagues, including Coun. Paul Borrelli, Coun. Rino Bortolin and Coun. Chris Holt.

Council also redefined its regulations to includeelectronic cigarettes.

The updated smoking bylaw will also include a prohibition of smoking at bus shelters, marinas, recreation centres, conservation areasand community gardens.