Proposed smoking ban near playgrounds moves step closer

EDMONTON - A proposed ban on smoking near playgrounds and sports fields passed another hurdle Monday.
Under new amendments to the city bylaw, anyone caught smoking within 10 metres of a spray park, ice rink or sports field or other children’s play area would be fined $250. Councillors passed the motion at the community services committee meeting Monday. It goes to city council next week.
If smoking near children’s outdoor spaces is banned, the city would also launch a $75,000 public awareness strategy.
Most councillors were in favour. Coun. Bryan Anderson argued the ban was a good idea to “remind the one per cent who are mentally capable of standing around someone else’s kids having a cigarette that they shouldn’t.
“There is nothing wrong with passing this. It’s simply a public reminder.”