The Canadian Cancer Society and Interior Health are applauding the City of Williams Lake for adopting a smoke-free bylaw late last month.
Health Promotion Coordinator, Megan Klitch, says only one other Northern municipality has a similar bylaw.
The bylaw which stipulates a 7.5-meter smoke-free buffer zone near areas such as playgrounds, bus shelters, and even the cemetery, is a strong move says Klitch.
Klitch says some studies have suggested that it may even be up to 9 meters before smoke or vapors dissipate.
The bylaw makes the City of Williams Lake the third municipality in BC, joining the City of Vancouver and Harrison Hot Springs to a have a comprehensive smoke-free bylaw, which includes e-cigarettes.
The City of Williams Lake adopted their smoke-free bylaw on Feb. 24, with a maximum fine of $100.