Some pretty sharp differences of opinion on Sechelt Council when it comes to tougher smoking bylaws.Vancouver Coastal Health and the Canadian Cancer Society are asking Sechelt, Gibsons and the Regional District for bylaws that go beyond the provincial minimums, by adding things like bans for parks and beaches and restaurant and bar patios.
Some Sechelt Councillors, like Doug Hockley say they’re opposed outright.
But Councillor Alice Lutes says VCH has shown there’s public support for the tougher rules.
Others, including Councillor Darnelda Siegers, say the District should do its own study before considering a bylaw, including a look at the impact on businesses.
Council did agree Wednesday night – in a 4-3 vote – to go ahead with a study, but hold off on actually drafting a bylaw.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District has already said it may not have the authority to create bylaws of the sort VCH is hoping for.The Town of Gibsons, which looked at tougher bylaws a few years ago, has yet to weigh-in.
