An Ottawa councillor wants to extend the city's smoking ban to city beaches, parks and patios.
"The science on this is very clear. Second-hand smoke kills, whether it's indoors or outdoors," Coun. Stephen Blais told CTV Ottawa on Thursday.
He wants there to be a total ban on smoking at public parks and beaches, and no smoking on patios before 8 p.m.
Blais said he's already met with the city's medical officer of health to discuss the plan, which he intends to present to council on August 25. He adds he hopes the motion will pass in time to be implemented by next summer.
The city moved ahead with a smoking ban in Ottawa restaurants and bars 10 years ago. About 3,000 fines were given out to people who defied the ban in its first year. One bar racked up $35,000 in fines.
