Robin’s to try smoke-free at downtown store

A second public meeting on a proposed bylaw banning smoking in enclosed public places here Tuesday night saw an unusual offer to give council and local businesses some direction on the contentious issue.
“In order to assess the impact of smoking versus smoke-free environments, we have made a choice to convert our downtown store to a non-smoking environment effective May 13 for a trial period of six months,” said Guy Donaldson, who co-owns both Robin’s Donuts locations here with his wife, Kelly Spicer.
“At that time, we will assess the impact to our business and share these results with council. Based on the results, we will set our future goals,” Donaldson added.
“This test period, which we offer our business, is our commitment to our community,” he remarked. “It will also be the basis for you, as town council, to establish future plans, which are for the betterment of our community and the prosperity of our town businesses.”
Donaldson urged council to defer any decision it might make on the proposed bylaw, and wait until at least November to hear from he and Spicer as to the impact of their test period.
But Donaldson’s idea sparked some debate among council and the public on hand.
“Why are you taking this action?” asked Coun. Struchan Gilson.
“We’d like to think we’re showing other businesses what they can do. We have to do it because of our franchise agreement in four or five years anyway,” replied Donaldson.
“What would be the problem with passing a bylaw right now?” questioned Coun. Gilson.
“I strongly believe businesses are working towards this to a point where council doesn’t have to make this choice,” said Donaldson.
“I think it falls upon this council to make that decision,” retorted Coun. Gilson, adding he had doubts as to whether businesses would follow their example.
“I fear this is only a test case for us. After six months, we’ll still be sitting on the same sides of the fence we’re on now,” remarked Mark Jones, who had made a presentation to council just before Donaldson.
Mayor Glenn Witherspoon disagreed.
“I know for a fact society is changing. People who now go out for a smoke and a coffee used to go out for a smoke and a beer,” he said.
“They don’t any more because if you have two drinks, you’re now considered too drunk too drive.
“We know things are going to change. If we could roll the clock ahead to 2022, people will be saying, ‘Smoking? What’s that?’” added Mayor Witherspoon.
Jones had a suggestion of his own during his presentation—leave the decision to institute a bylaw in the hands of citizens.
“I don’t envy any of you on council. This is a no-win situation. You’ll be happy to know I offer a solution,” he said.
“What I propose is for the town to take the time they need to research this. Then, they should educate the public on what they’ve found. Then, they should have a plebiscite,” Jones said.
He also suggested the mail-in ballots could be distributed via utility bills to cut costs.
“We, the public, would have to live by our own decision. I challenge you to implement this plan,” concluded Jones.
Local pharmacist David Schwartz strongly expressed his support for a smoking bylaw, saying it would benefit not only the health of children, who often have no choice about being exposed to smoke or not, and workers in the hospitality industry.
“A smoking bylaw will make Fort Francs a better place to live,” he concluded.
Coun. Neil Kabel questioned whether banning smoking in businesses would really make a difference in the health of children, pointing out the majority of second-hand smoke children inhale is in the home.
“I think you can look at this as a step towards getting smoking out of society,” replied Schwartz.
Local resident Paul Forget said there’s no question such a bylaw should be implemented. “Smokers have a right to smoke, but I also have a right to clean, smoke-free air no matter where I am,” he argued.
“I don’t think risking the health of the non-smoking public and workers, because there might be economic repercussions, is acceptable.
“I hope council will get on board with the health authorities, the government agencies, and the non-smoking public and lead the way in passing this no smoking ordinance,” Forget stressed.
Marlene Deschamps, representing the Fort Frances Native Women’s Association, said banning smoking in areas like the Bingo Hall would be disastrous to groups which profit from charity Bingos.
She added anti-smoking education and preventing smoking should be stressed in favour of an out-and-out ban.
“I find it hard to understand why a municipal council has to legislate people not to smoke. Smoking isn’t illegal,” said Deschamps.
“While it’s against the law for minors to drink, if police see children smoking, they’re helpless to stop them. The health unit should use its money to make a law to make it illegal for children to smoke,” she noted.
Finally, Roberta Oliver, president of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, who also gave a presentation at the initial meeting April 2, updated council on a survey on the smoking bylaw issue the Chamber has sent out to its members.
She reported that of the 42 responses received so far, businesses for and against the proposed bylaw have been split about 50/50. Oliver added she will appear before council again at the third meeting April 30 once the survey is complete.
Two other citizens also responded via letters, which Mayor Witherspoon read aloud.
The first, from Doug Kitowski, read: “I am against any new smoking bylaw. We are already governed by the ICC and the DOT and the Department of Labour, and enough is enough.”
The second, from Lu Anne Caul, can be seen in its entirety on A4 of this week’s issue of the Times.
Mayor Witherspoon wrapped up the meeting, which ran just under an hour, with a few remarks.
“We’re not in a quandary. We’re going down a decision-making road here. And we’ll probably end up doing something by the end of the year,” he said.
“Mark Jones and Coun. Gilson would like to see a bylaw tomorrow, but that’s not going to happen,” the mayor remarked, referring to council’s commitment to gather as much information and input on the subject as possible before carving anything in stone.
“These presentations are professional. I’m very impressed,” he added, noting he encourages more people to attend the next meeting, which is slated April 30 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre.