A possible ban on smoking at Wreck Beach in Vancouver could affect other beaches in the Lower Mainland, including Boundary Bay in Delta.
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By Jeff Nagel - Surrey North Delta Leader
Published: September 05, 2008 2:00 PM
Updated: September 05, 2008 2:37 PM
Beach smoke ban possible
Metro could follow Vancouver
Jeff Nagel
Black Press
A possible ban on smoking at Wreck Beach that's being considered in Vancouver could lead to a blanket no-smoking policy covering beaches in other parks run by Metro Vancouver.
Metro-operated beaches like Boundary Bay in Delta and White Pine Beach in Belcarra Regional Park could be subject to a system-wide policy patterned after what comes out of Vancouver, a Metro staff report indicates.
Taking the lead is the Vancouver Parks Board, which is debating a smoking ban at clothing-optional Wreck Beach at the tip of Point Grey.
Vancouver Coastal Health is pressing for the ban, but talks between it and the parks board are said to be at an early stage.
A Metro policy would ensure consistency with any decision in Vancouver.
Parks committee chair Gayle Martin said her committee is also concerned about the risk of a fire starting from Wreck Beach and spreading into Metro-run Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
"We're going to wait and see what happens with the Vancouver Parks Board," she said.
Even if smoking is banned at Wreck Beach, that will "not necessarily" lead to a similar policy at Metro beaches, Martin said.
"It may or may not happen in Metro parks," said the Langley City councillor, herself a smoker.
"You can put all the bylaws you want into place, then you have to have someone enforce those bylaws," she said. "It's not just a case of banning smoking. You're going to be perhaps be looking at hiring more staff. How are you going to police the thing?"
Metro Vancouver's parks department also oversees Iona Beach northwest of Richmond and other foreshore areas along the Fraser River and some lakes.
Martin said she doubted any policy would affect barbecues or fire pits in regional parks.
She predicts there will be no decision before the end of the year, putting the issue in the hands of new directors on the Vancouver Parks Board and Metro Vancouver board in 2009.
jnagel@surreyleader.com
