The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is moving ahead with smoking bylaw updates, which will create more smoke-free areas in Whistler.
With the bylaw updates the Valley Trail, Village Stroll and all public plaza areas will be designated as non-smoking areas, the municipality said.
The non-smoking perimeter buffer around buildings will extended from six to 10 metres and a 25-metre smoke-free buffer will also include playgrounds, playing fields, beaches, food concessions, picnic areas, skateboard parks, and parks.
“Whistler is known for its clean mountain air and natural environment, and this updated bylaw will help to protect this” said Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden.
“The proposed bylaw includes some housekeeping updates for clarity, and the inclusion of the Valley Trail and parks is consistent with smoking regulations in other jurisdictions in British Columbia and across Canada.”
The updated bylaw will prohibit smoking:
- in or within 10 metres of the perimeter of an outdoor customer service area;
- within a 10-metre buffer below any opening into a building, including a door or window that opens or air intake;
- in a park or on the Valley Trail; and
- in all public plaza areas (e.g. Town Square, Village Common, Village Square and Mountain Square) or on the Village Stroll.
The municipality’s goal is voluntary compliance with the smoking regulation bylaw, however, Bylaw Officers may issue a ticket of $200 for smoking in an area prohibited by Whistler’s smoking bylaw.
Bylaw enforcement will include targeted education; signage; rotating Bylaw Officer presence in the Village and community and on the Valley Trail; and increased ticketing and enforcement when the fire danger rating is high or extreme.
Sabra wright says
If the municipality wants to extend this no smoking ban while luring international tourists whom are unfamiliar with our smoking regulations I think they must create designated smoking areas throughout the area. Currently they leave it to local staff to confront guests and tell them no. The 10 meters from buildings has left people literally standing in the middle of the stroll for their after dinner smoke. Now we will need to explain that they should go where? Lock themselves in a car? Leave whistler to puff? Cigarettes are legal, they are sold here- give people a place to go. That seems essential. Quit saying No Noam’s provide a real answer for people.
Charla says
This is an incredible infringement. It is legal to smoke. The village sells cigarettes. Where are people supposed to go to have a smoke while they are in whistler. They should at least be making some designated areas. So let me guess. The tourists will get a fine, and just leave and not pay. But the locals, who work three jobs. Pay astronomical rent and food prices, will have to pay the fine they already can not afford for doing something that is legal. The valley trail isn’t even in the village. So basically, you’re punishing someone doing something that is legal in Canada. Awesome whistler.