Cochrane Council voted 5-1 to snuff out smoking on town owned recreation property and sports fields.

The new bylaw received second and third reading on Monday, February 27 which will prohibit lighting up at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, Cochrane Arena, outdoor spray parks, skating rinks, playgrounds, and sports fields within 5 metres

The public was able to provide a written comment on whether they were in favour or against the passing of the bylaw and 63 people responded; 29 in support and 34 opposed. While comments were quite polarized they both included setting up a distinct, designated smoking area as an alternative.

Cochrane Councillor Jeff Toews who brought fourth the Notice of Motion to begin with, stated council would not be doing its job if it didn't protect the rights of community members, especially children.

"To me, to protest such a bylaw is basically saying that Cochrane citizens and their children are not worthy of such important protection and consideration for quality of life and optimum health."

Councillor Morgan Nagel felt that a designated smoking area would have been the best choice, not only for constitutional rights but also for enforcement. Nagel was one of the only Councillors who engaged with the public via social media community groups and says he received lots of feedback, both in favour and against.

"The actual big surprise was the number of people who don't smoke and hate smoking but were actually upset by the bylaw because they too agreed, that the people who do want to smoke should be able to do so."

While Nagel himself doesn't support smoking, he believes if adults choose to smoke, they have the right.

"For people who do choose to smoke, I think we should give them a space away from others where it's going to discourage them blowing smoke in other people's faces and I think they are far more likely to comply with a designated smoking area than they would be with an out right ban."

If you are caught smoking you could face penalties of $100 and up.

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