Digby town council has decided against a no smoking by-law.
“The province already has a by-law,” said Mayor Ben Cleveland after council on Tuesday, Aug. 7. “ Why should we go and make it more complicated? How would we enforce it? These are some of the reservations council had.”
Council had been considering banning smoking on all town property and public space used and open to the public such as playgrounds, outdoor recreation facilities and the grounds of any town building.
Cleveland says council received 34 letters in support of an all-out ban but opted instead for signs to encourage people to respect their neighbour’s right to breathe fresh air.
The town will erect signs at the two soccer fields, the ballfield, in front of the arena, the playground, Fishermen Memorial Park, McBride Park, the grassed area of Digby Centre and the area around the town’s visitor information centre.
The signs will say “This public space contains fresh Digby air. Please do not smoke in our public spaces.”
Cleveland says council felt it was especially important to discourage smoking anywhere children might be present.
“I’m sure most smokers know what they’re doing isn’t good for their health,” says Cleveland. “We hope these signs will serve as a friendly reminder to think of others when you’re in a public place.”
jriley@digbycourier.ca
