Presenters welcome at second smoking meeting

The Town of Fort Frances is looking for more people to make their voices heard at a second meeting regarding a possible smoking bylaw here Tuesday.
Town clerk Glen Treftlin said yesterday afternoon only two people have signed up to speak on the matter so far.
But he added he’s expecting many last minute entries, much like before the first public meeting held here April 2. That meeting saw a total of 11 presenters, from the Canadian Cancer Society to the local business owners.
Speakers will be allotted 10 minutes to speak their minds.
The meeting is slated for 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre. A third meeting also has been scheduled for April 30.
Those wishing to voice their opinion are asked to register by 4:30 p.m. on Monday by dropping by the Civic Centre or calling Treftlin at 274-5323, ext. 236. Any documents and handouts related to presentations also are to be filed in advance.
The idea to hold public meetings on the smoking bylaw issue first was brought up in January after the health unit launched a postcard campaign to gauge public support for a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places.
In February, Dr. Pete Sarsfield, CEO and medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit, officially declared second-hand smoke a “health hazard,” and has since said he’s prepared to take legal action against district municipalities that don’t establish the bylaw.