Smoking is now illegal in public places in Lake Country.
Council adopted a bylaw Tuesday that bans smoking in parks and beaches and within 7.5 metres of public buildings.
“Don’t light up on our beaches,” said Mayor James Baker, who says the goal of the bylaw is to promote healthy lifestyles.
“Some people are allergic to cigarette smoke.”
The district was urged by the Canadian Cancer Society and the Interior Health Authority to take action.
Baker says there have been few complaints from residents about the bylaw.
“One letter said barbecues cause more carcinogens than smoking.”
Baker admits that enforcing the rules could be a challenge but he says it provides district staff with the ability to act.
“Having a bylaw, it’s possible to ticket offenders,” he said.
A $100 fine could be levied for smoking in a public place, within 7.5 metres of a transit stop or in a park or common area.
The early payment penalty will be $50 while the late penalty climbs to $125.