Smoke Free Survey and Bylaw

Note that you will need Adobe Acrobat to view PDF files on this page. Download Adobe Acrobat.

In April of 2003 the Protective Services Commission applied for a grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Health Canada. The City of Yorkton was successful in being awarded a grant in the amount of $14,000.00. Along with 9 other communities across Canada we began the process of developing and working towards smoke free public places in the City of Yorkton.

The Smoke Free Public Places Committee under the direction of the Protective Services Commission undertook the work and research in order to be able to bring forward for Council’s consideration a Smoke Free Public Places Bylaw.

On Monday, November 17, 2003 the committee presented Council with a Public Opinion Survey conducted by Fast Consulting for the City of Yorkton. The survey found that 92% of Yorkton residents understand the health risks that second-hand smoke carries and believe that everyone should have the right to breathe clean air free of tobacco smoke. It also documents that the majority of Yorkton residents would be strongly supportive of a local bylaw for the City of Yorkton that would make all enclosed public places 100% smoke free. Fast Consulting states, that with a 95% level of certainty, the results of this survey are within a plus or minus 4.9% of what they would if the entire adult population of Yorkton were polled.

The committee also submitted to Council a proposed Smoke Free Public Places Bylaw. Council gave First Reading to the Smoke Free Public Places Bylaw. The No-Smoking in Public Places and Work Places Bylaw provides for 100% smoke free public places and work places. It would allow smoking on outdoor patios, but does not make allowance for designated smoking rooms. This Bylaw was brought back to Council on April 5, 2004 for consideration of Second and Third Reading.  Council amended this bylaw to have a July 1, 2004 implementation date.  The Bylaw passed on April 5, 2004 as per the above amendment with the unanimous consent of Council.  Bylaw No. 38/2003.

Public Meeting

A Public Meeting was held on  March 9, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at the Parkland Agriplex Convention Centre in order to hear from the Community at large, before considering the passing of this bylaw. Thank you to all presenters and to all that attended.

Dr. Shahab the Medical Health Officer was one of the Presenters at this Public Meeting.  Please click on the link below to view his presentation. Smoking Bylaw Presentation By MHO.