Proposed bylaw could ban smoking around Edmonton's outdoor recreation sites

EDMONTON - The City is considering a new bylaw that would ban smoking within 10 meters of any outdoor playground, skating rink, sports field or spray park.

The proposal which will go before a city committee on Monday, was first raised by local elementary students last spring. The issue is already stirring up debate, with some doubting whether legislating such a law is necessary.

"It doesn't have to be legislated. It can be solved with common sense and common courtesy," said Councillor Kerry Diotte, adding "when is it going to stop? So are we going to say you can't smoke anywhere outdoors? There are rights issues here."

Councillor Amarjeet Sohi disagrees, though. "At the end of the day," he says, "I think it's about role modeling. What kind of role modelling are we portraying to our young people when we smoke around them?"

Anti-smoking groups pushing for the bylaw also believe it's a small sacrifice for the health of children. They say the similar bylaws which have already been passed in dozens of communities across Canada are working.

"It's one of those things that we should be looking at the bigger picture of protecting the kids that we all love and care about in our community. And 10 meters is not that big of a deal," said Cheryl Feldstein of the Lung Association.

The new smoking rules could take effect as early as next month if passed by council, with enforcement targeted at areas with repeated complaints.

And if the bylaw does go forward, the city says it would educate Edmontonians first with a $75,000 campaign.

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With files from Ross Neitz, Global News