Regina smoking bylaw consultation sparks debate

Regina residents continue to weigh in on possible changes to the smoking bylaw.

It was announced last month the City of Regina would begin public consultation on changes to the current smoking bylaw involving smoking in public places.

As of March 9, there have been 7,634 completed surveys and over 4,000 comments have been made during the consultation.

Deputy fire chief Steve Bagely said it’s been one of the most successful survey’s in the city’s recent history.

“I think it’s a subject that everybody has an opinion on it,” Bagely said. “Whether it’s at home or business or just chatting with friends, smoking is a huge topic.”

Murray Whitelaw was at the open house held by the city on Thursday. He isn’t a smoker but doesn’t want to see too many changes come to the bylaw.

“I don’t believe you should take away all outdoor public smoking because that’s just going to turn honest people into lawbreakers,” Whitelaw said.

He added he expects smokers to be courteous and that there should be no smoking where kids are often playing, such as spray pads.

Virginia Goski also attended the open house and is against smoking in any public places.

“The big thing is smoking is a health hazard and that’s why I firmly feel there should be no smoking anywhere,” Goski explained.

Vaping and e-cigarettes are also a part of the city’s consultation.

The online survey is available until March 16.