A majority vote by North Bay City Council during Tuesday's regular meeting will add to the City of North Bay's growing list of workplaces and apartment buildings where smoking within nine metres of an entrance is prohibited and subject to enforcement and possible fines.
The City of North Bay's by-law enforcement division reports it has received requests from several owners and property managers requesting the entrance area smoking prohibition to be extended to their buildings. According to Ron Melnyk, the by-law enforcement supervisor, inspections have been conducted to ensure the properties fall within the requirements of the by-law.
For instance, Waters Edge has had issues with smoking near its front entrance and inclusion in the by-law will allow for enforcement. Although there is a sign in place (see photo above), it has largely been ignored by a small group of smokers who reside there.
Council's authorization would amend and expand By-Law No. 2012-97 (being a by-law to Regulate Smoking in Public Places and Workplaces) to include the following workplaces and apartment buildings:
Workplaces:
- Kennedy Insurance Brokers, 160 King St. West, front and rear entrance
- 955 Stockdale Rd., all main floor commercial entrances
Apartment Buildings:
- 150 Colgan Avenue, front entrance
- Castle Arms, 350 Olive St., front entrance
- Castle Arms, 440 Olive St., front entrance
- Castle Arms, 480 Olive St., front entrance
- Castle Arms, 520 Olive St., front entrance
- Waters Edge, 401 William St., front entrance
The by-law came into effect in May 2010. According to Section 115 of the Municipal Act, the Council of a local municipality is authorized to pass a by-law to prohibit or regulate the smoking of tobacco in public places and workplaces within the municipality. Section 10(2) of the same Act authorizes a municipality to pass by-laws respecting health, safety, and well-being of persons. And, Section 18 of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act permits municipalities to enact smoking bylaws that are more restrictive than found in the Act.
