Churchill Square smoking ban debate heats up

Debate over a proposed smoking ban on Sir Winston Churchill Square came to a standstill Wednesday ascouncillors on the community services committee struggled to come to an agreement over the details.

Coun. Michael Walters brought the idea up in Julyafter receiving complaints about smoking during the festival season.

With 460 different events on the square each year, councillors were told by administration that creating a bylaw would create chaos.

Coun. Ben Henderson said he could not support a smoking ban in the squareunless it applied only to major events and festivals.

If someone is smoking away from me and in a way thats bothering no one else, I think thats their problem and not mine, Henderson said.

Coun. Mike Nickel suggested the city could create no smoking signs and makethem available to festival and event organizers who want them. He said a blanket ban would be like taking a sledgehammer to fly.

While other councillors agreedwith the idea of a year-round order to butt out on the square, some take issue with the designated smoking areas on the square's perimeterwhich were part of the original proposal.

Coun. Bryan Andersonsaid smoking areas would create an invitation for people to light-up, and that smoke would still be in the square.

Mayor Don Iveson says he prefers a simple approach, so people dont get confused.

I think to support that kind of physical activity, and health and wellness in the city, I think its just best if theres no smoking around there, he said.

The debate was referred to next week's city council meeting,when all councillors can weigh in.