Editor's note: This is a letter to Squamish's mayor and council. It was forwarded to The Chief for publication.
A few months ago I sent you a letter asking you to create a new tougher smoking bylaw and to fine smokers for throwing their cigarette butts on the ground.
Well, nothing has changed. I still see people constantly throwing their butts on the ground and no changes have been made to the current bylaw.
I ask you to please stand up to these polluters and make them be responsible for their actions.
I am really sick and tired of seeing smokers get away with polluting our world. Please take further action to discourage smoking in our town by getting tough on smokers by creating the harshest anti-smoking bylaws in the country and by cracking down on them when it comes to polluting the environment.
New Zealand recently announced that they are going to put the squeeze on smokers and plan to have an outright ban on smoking within the next five years.
I would love to see Squamish, British Columbia and Canada do the same. Perhaps Squamish could lead the way.
If you are not going to ask smokers to pick up their butts, then don't ask and expect us dog owners to pick up after our dogs. Cigarette butts have the same effect on the environment as the dog poop. They are both unsightly and unsafe.
Squamish council, please be a leader and not a follower.
Gord Gunner
Squamish
