Tighter restrictions on smokers are coming after the Capital Regional District board voted in favour of a new clean air bylaw this afternoon.
The bylaw includes plans to ban smoking in city parks, playgrounds and in high-traffic public spaces like Bastion and Centennial squares.
Only Victoria Coun. Geoff Young and Metchosin Mayor John Ranns were opposed to the motion, a massive turnaround from a 12-11 defeat of a similar bylaw last May.
Once finalized, it will also require smokers to light up seven metres away from any doorway, window or air intake. Directors also opted to restrict smoking at bus stops throughout the region.
The bylaw will now move forward to a public input process before returning to the board for final approval.
A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the opposing votes to the clean air bylaw.
