The health impact of tobacco continues to be a concern in Lumby but a ban has been scrapped.
The village will not proceed with a bylaw that may ban smoking in public spaces such as trails, parks and even possibly sidewalks.
“After talking about it, we’re not sure people are ready for it,” said Mayor Kevin Acton, who admits some residents were quite upset over a possible ban.
“It was a healthy debate. People were concerned about being controlled. There were even people who don’t smoke saying, ‘Not another bylaw.’ It did seem a little authoritarian.”
But while there won’t be any rules, the village wants to ensure residents understand the health risks related to tobacco use.
“We want to keep up with public education and awareness,” said Acton.
The village has received information about the issue from nursing students at the University of B.C.’s Okanagan campus.
“If they come up with something that needs a bit of a budget, we will look at that,” said Acton of the nurses’ activities.
