Port Coquitlam city hall is turning up the heat before the May 9 provincial election.
Tomorrow night (Thursday), the healthy community committee will consider backing two recommendations to press the B.C. government to ban smoking in all outdoor spaces as well as call for better mental health and addiction care.
The first request, from the Canadian Cancer Society, would expand the scope of the current Provincial Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act by prohibiting smoking and vaping in public places not identified in the legislation such as patios, parks, playgrounds and beaches (the Act was changed last September to include vaping).
According to a city report, 28 municipalities in B.C. have supported the society's request that aims to prevent cancer — often a fatal disease caused by tobacco use.
Still, the city endorsement doesn't mean a change in its 2002 Smoking Control Bylaw, which already prohibits smoking in "common and public assembly places" in PoCo.
The second request comes from the Canadian Mental Health Association to sign onto its b4stage4 Manifesto.
The guideline calls for businesses, groups and elected officials, among others, to urge the provincial government for better mental health and addiction care in B.C. including early intervention.
In other PoCo news:
The 17th annual Hyde Creek Salmon Festival last fall drew some 3,000 visitors to the north Port Coquitlam facility.
According to a committee report, the Hyde Creek Education Centre & Hatchery spent $3,220 to organize its popular city-sponsored fest last November, and brought in $4,075 from sponsors and vendors.
Meanwhile, Riverside secondary has asked the city to waive the rental fees for Hyde Creek rec centre to host its after-grad party.
The Parent Advisory Council-bash is set to be held at the civic facility overnight June 10.
Last year's alcohol- and drug-free event at Hyde Creek attracted about 350 students and 100 volunteer parents and school staff.
