Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Feb 01/02) - The Town of Inuvik may consider passing a bylaw on smoking in public places.

The issue came up at town council Monday evening, when Mayor Peter Clarkson said that several people have approached him about this subject.

After the meeting, Clarkson explained people have asked him when the town is going to pass a bylaw similar to legislation found in Yellowknife.

Clarkson said both those communities are working towards the same goal over a few years, namely "to restrict smoking anywhere where children are allowed."

"Probably over the next few months we will get input from the residents and then we'll see," Clarkson said.

"It'll be up to council and up to residents whether we want to enforce such a bylaw in Inuvik -- and what type of bylaw, who would it apply to, and what organizations it would apply to," he said.

"I think there's enough known now about second-hand smoke and the ill effects of second hand smoking in general that more and more municipalities will be, you know, passing bylaws that restrict smoking just to curb the effects of second hand smoke, especially in areas that are open to the general public."

Clarkson said one possibility that's been raised is holding a plebiscite on the issue, in conjunction with this fall's municipal election.

There's no smoking at town hall except in designated areas. There's no smoking allowed in the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex, except for licenced events, and at the Inuvik Curling Club.