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After a vigorous lobby by bar owners, council agreed to vote tonight on whether to partially lift the ban and allow smoking in bars after 10 p.m.
 Mayor Gordon Van Tighem says a large stack of e-mails, with "original and heartfelt" comments about the bylaw sits on his desk. |
Also on the agenda is a proposal to allow bar owners to build ventilated smoking rooms for tobacco addicts.
"I'm in favour of phasing-in this bylaw," said Bob Brooks, one councillor who would sooner switch than fight for the bylaw which imposed a total ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.
Brooks said he has received at least 100 e-mails on the issue in the last week.
"They were split 50-50, for and against it," he said.
Brooks said some callers were confused and thought the entire bylaw was to be scrapped.
Coun. Kevin O'Reilly said he, too, has received many e-mails and phone calls.
"The vast majority, about 95 per cent, were in favour of retaining the current bylaw," O'Reilly said.
"This decision is in the long-term interest of the community," he said. "Council has a duty and I don't intend to go back on it."
Mayor Gordon Van Tighem said a large stack of e-mails, with "original and heartfelt" comments about the bylaw sits on his desk.
"The overwhelming majority is to maintain the bylaw as it is," Van Tighem said.
The mayor said the Workers Compensation Board will make a presentation to council on new anti-smoking legislation that comes into force May 1.
Tony Chang, a local restaurant owner who spoke against the bylaw at a committee meeting last week, said he will be in the public gallery tonight.
"I believe in no smoking, but also in the rights of the individual," said Chang, a non-smoker.
Tobacco Action Yellowknife has been rallying its troops and Ruby Trudel said she expects a full slate of people to show up at council in favour of leaving the bylaw as is.
"The amendment is regressive. The level of community support will be demonstrated at the meeting. This community is ready for the bylaw," Trudel said.
There have also been reports city bars and lounges may close from 6-9 p.m. today to allow owners and servers to attend council.
During the civic election, Yellowknifer asked candidates if smoking should be a city council issue.
Here's how they responded, for the record:
Wendy Bisaro: Yes. The Cities Act (allows) communities to pass bylaws in respect to public health.
Bob Brooks: Yes. The latest round should have been in co-operation with the WCB.
Mark Heyck: City council has the responsibility to ensure the health of its citizens.
Blake Lyons: Yes!
Dave McCann: Yes. Local government should support the population's health.
Kevin O'Reilly: The city has the duty to regulate smoking.
Doug Witty: Yes. Second-hand smoke affects everyone.
Alan Woytuik: No. The move to extend the smoking ban was not good judgement.
