Brian Stauth, Interim Managing Director of Public Services gives a presentation to city council surrounding outdoor smoking bylaw (CHAT News photo by Brendan Miller)

By Brendan Miller

Medicine Hat city council approves outdoor smoking bylaw

Mar 6, 2023 | 9:45 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat city council has unanimously voted to pass the Smoke Free Outdoor Public Places bylaw.

The new bylaw recognizes current outdoor smoking regulations set by the province and expands to include Medicine Hat specific locations.

Now smoking will be restricted outdoors in public spaces like grandstands, parks, outdoor rinks and basketball/pickleball courts.

The bylaw also includes the addition of cannabis and vaping.

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“In reality it’s not a significant change. As some of the councilors mentioned tonight that they’ve really had zero contact from the public about this since it was tabled two weeks ago,” says Brian Stauth, Interim Managing Director of Public Services.

Stauth gave a presentation to city council providing clarification surrounding the new bylaw after it was postponed at council’s February 21 meeting.

“I really respect councils desire to get a bylaw right,” adds Stauth.

Stauth says the main focus of the new outdoor smoking bylaw is the health of youth in the community.

“The whole idea of the bylaw is to regulate smoking and vaping in areas where children travel to, congregate, play in, recreate and so we achieved that tonight,” says Stauth.

Council also approved a new policy that will allow outdoor festival and event organizers to apply for a designated smoking area.