A new smoking bylaw in Elliot Lake will have no teeth until the province approves it, but that won’t stop city bylaw enforcement staff from laying charges.
Elliot Lake council had a lively discussion about a new smoking bylaw in the city, which includes a $150 fine for violators and enforces no smoking zones in municipal and public places including vaping and cannabis smoking.
The city’s bylaw enforcement staff will be responsible for laying charges.
However, the new bylaw now goes before the Chief Justice of Ontario for approval, but until the province gives its blessing, it will have no teeth.
Until then, offenders will be given a summons to appear in court, but the city will have no way to recover its enforcement costs.
New ‘No Smoking’ signs will be issued and posted in appropriate areas.