While Edmontonians dealt with a blanket of smoke, and ash falling over the city from wildfires far away from Edmonton, one City Councillor turned his attention to banning a different type of smoke entirely.
Councillor Michael Walters proposed banning smoking in Churchill Square – extending the smoke-free zones across the street from the plaza in front of City Hall.
“I walk out there and there’s people smoking all around it, and there’s kids running all around it,” Walters said. “I don’t think those things should go together.”
The square serves as host for the Street Performer’s Festival and Taste of Edmonton – events that often attract families – and Walters said he wants to keep it that way.
“When smokers come in the middle of those packs of families and people, it’s a terrible experience for them, and it actually keeps people away from the gathering place,” Walters said.
It’s an idea Mayor Don Iveson is open to considering.
“I think pushing the smoking to the boundary of it, for example, or having designated areas might be a better approach,” Iveson said. “I am open to the question he’s asking.”
Now, smokers can’t light up within 10 meters of playgrounds or sports fields, and could face a fine of $250 for doing so.
It will be about three months before the idea of keeping smokers out of Churchill Square will be back before City Council for debate.
With files from Veronica Jubinville
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