City mulls wider outdoor smoking ban

The City of Winnipeg has placed the Manitoba government on notice that if the province doesn't further legislate outdoor smoking bans, the city will draft its own bylaws.

A motion passed by the city's Executive Policy Committee on Wednesday gives the province 30 days to commit to a new tobacco ban on outdoor spaces.

Mayor Sam Katz said the city could very likely move on its own, should the province not take the intiative.

Katz said it's too early to say how widespread an outdoor smoking ban would be. "I would be hopeful that the Minister of Healthy Living would take the initiative," said Katz. "All I can tell you as mayor of the City of Winnipeg if unfortunately that doesn't happen, I have no doubt in my mind that council is prepared to look at it."

Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau has previously rejected a call from Winnipeg for a province-wide ban on smoking at soccer fields and other outdoor venues, saying that decision should be up to each municipality. An anti-smoking law enacted in 2004 says municipalities have the authority to expand the provincial smoking ban, which covers indoor public spaces. Rondeau says municipal councils are best able to understand their local needs.

The Manitoba Soccer Association is considering a smoking ban at outdoor matches this summer following complaints from parents and players.

Prior to the EPC vote Wednesday there were pleas from Winnipeg's Medical Officer of Health, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Tobacco Reduction Alliance to ban smoking at athletic fields, trails, patios and to entrances to public buildings.

Council will vote on the EPC motion next week.