Chapple looks at district wide smoke-free bylaw

Milt Guba

At the April meeting of the Township of Chapple Municipality, Reeve Bill Clink welcomed the Health Promoter from the Northwestern Health Unit Jennifer McKibbon. McKibbon explained that 2002 had been targeted by the Northwestern Health Unit, as the year to eliminate 2nd hand smoke in NWO. The NWHU had sent a registered letter to all 19 communities within the area asking them to pass a bylaw by May 31st.

SAPT Coordinator Kelly Olson outlined the Municipal Alcohol Policy (MAP) program,, “This program is a risk management tool for Municipalities,” she noted, “The program outlines the liabilities and responsibilities held by the municipality in regards to the use of alcohol in public buildings and grounds, and outlines the policies that can be implemented to help decrease the liability. After her address Olson presented Council with a banner to be on display at the Chapple Recreation Centre.

A letter was received from the Playground Committee requesting permission to establish a playground on property owned by the Township. Municipal Council approved this request north of the hall. Placement to be coordinated with Municipal Staff.

Jim Teeple, Road Supt. presented his report to Council. Tenders had been received on the supply and installation of new panels in the garage doors and automatic openers. Council has approved the purchase of replacement panels for the overhead doors and electric door lifts in the amount of $20,086.04 from Hanover Door Systems.

Council discussed the possibility of tendering the mowing of grass in and around the village. Tender has been made for this purpose for the 2002 season on a per hour rate, locations as directed by Municipal staff.

Resolutions and By-laws moved and carried. That the Municipal Council of the Township of Chapple heerby supports the recommendations outlined in the Canadian Police Association fact sheet requesting that the Province of Ontario to enact legislation to strengthen Canada’s system of sentencing, corrections, parole and release.

Carried a motion, hereby supporting the resolution from the Corporation of the City of Brantford requesting the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to develop mechanisms to allow Nurse Practitioners to practice as members of an interdisciplinary team or independently to the full extent of their licensure and scope of practice.

Moved a motion as outlined whereas stated in subsection 213(2) of the Municipal Act R.S.O. 1990 Chap M.45 as amended authorizes the Council of a local municipality to pass a bylaw regulating the smoking of tobacco in workplaces within the municipality and designating workplaces or classes or parts of such places as placed in which smoking tobacco or holding lighted tobacco is prohibited. and whereas it has been determined that second hand smoke is a nuisance because of its irritating and discomforting properties and is a health hazard because of its impairment, adverse effect and risk to the health of inhabitants and employees, and therefore be it resolved that the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Township of Chapple respectfully request the Municipalities within the Rainy River District work together towards the implementation of a by-law respecting smoking in the workplace so as to ensure a level playing field in our respective communities.

And that this resolution be forwarded to the Rainy River District Municipal Association for consideration at their meeting of May 15, 2002.

The Municipal Council hereby supports the resolution from the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board requesting the Minister of Health & Long Term Care to consider the urgency of the staffing crisis in the Rainy River District and declare the district a priority for funding to fully staff our Land Ambulance Services.