Ottawa councillor wants to extend smoking ban

Ottawa councillor Stephen Blais is proposing a sweeping ban on smoking in public places, including parks and beaches and on patios before dark.

He said ten years ago New York officials came to Ottawa to learn about the city's smoking ban in restaurants and bars and now that city has taken the next step, banning smoking in parks and beaches this year. He says Ottawa should follow suit.

"We have learned a lot in the last ten years and the industry has learned a lot. Numerous financial studies have shown that there is no long term financial impact," said Blais.

People CBC spoke with in city parks on Thursday were mixed on the issue, with some welcoming the possibility of less exposure to second-hand smoke while others questioned how the city would enforce such a ban.

Blais suggests the ban could extend to patios until 8 p.m. He said he will be asking city workers to look into the cost and logistics of the proposal before council discusses the motion.

He said he hopes the ban is in place before next year's patio season.