STRATFORD, P.E.I. - The Town of Stratford now has some teeth when it comes to enforcing its non-smoking stance, but council won’t be forcing private businesses and landlords to adopt the same approach.
Council voted unanimously during its recent meeting to turn its 2007 policy, which effectively bans smoking at town-owned spaces, sports facilities and during town events, into a bylaw.
The town now has the power to enforce the policy and could call authorities if someone breaks the bylaw. A first-time offence could result in a $100 fine.
However, Coun. Jody Jackson, who chairs the town’s sustainability committee, said he hopes it doesn’t come to that point.
“We don’t anticipate it’s going to be an issue at all,” he said.
While Jackson said the bylaw would be enforced if someone is purposely being a persistent problem or “thumbs their nose” at the bylaw, he said the measure was largely to add some education around the issue.
“I’d say (the policy) has worked well, but we didn’t have the teeth to enforce it if we needed to,” he said. “But, the idea is to educate and not be heavy-handed. (If someone is smoking), we’ll do what we do now – politely ask them to put it out and remind them it’s a smoke-free property.”
Smoke Free P.E.I. previously requested council to ban smoking in all “public places” – whether they were owned by the town or privately owned – to become the first “smoke-free” community in Canada.
Jackson said after a subcommittee met with residents and businesses, it was clear most felt forcing a full ban was a step too far.
“I respect the Smoke Free P.E.I. model, they want us to go with a full ban, but residents don’t want that. We have to respect the residents,” said Jackson, noting council could always revisit the issue if residents’ opinions change.
“They all agree this is a good measure, but to go any further, it’s not the time.”
Mayor David Dunphy described the move as a great first step and thanked Jackson and the committee for their work.
“It’s definitely an important issue for health in the town,” said Dunphy. “If there’s a need or demand… for an additional expansion of the bylaw, then we can do that in the future.”
Jackson also noted businesses and landlords already have the option of banning smoking on their property.
“And some choose to, but we won’t be telling them right now they have to do that,” he said. “We’re trying to lead by example at the town properties.”
Deputy mayor Randy Cooper did not vote on the resolution as he was absent from the meeting.
