It was not the warmest of welcomes as Health Promoter Jason Weppler of the Grey Bruce Health Unit came to Saugeen Shores council to talk about a smoking ban on public beaches.
Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau — who is not a smoker — called the presentation by Weppler and a proposed bylaw by the Health Unit, sneaky as they try to restrict smoking everywhere.
Charbonneau says it’s time for every level government to start treating its residents like adults.
He says he doesn’t know of any adults that would smoke near a child or blow smoke on them.
Saugeen Shores councillor Taun Frosst, who is a smoker, agrees.
He says people just don’t smoke around children and those that do won’t change because of a town bylaw.
Nevertheless Weppler feels the town will come through with a policy on tobacco-free beaches.
In his presentation, Weppler says a recent survey of over 700 residents in Grey Bruce, done by the health unit, shows 73 per cent favour of no smoking on public beaches.
In the end, council said thanks but no thanks and noted and filed the Weppler presentation and the bylaw suggestion from the health unit.
