A potential ban of smoking on city property is one step closer to becoming an official bylaw.
On Tuesday, the Ottawa Board of Health approved recommendations that would stop Ottawa smokers from lighting up while visiting beaches, parks, bars and restaurant patios, starting July 2.
The bylaw will face the scrutiny of the community and protective services committee on Feb. 15. If the committee approves it, the ban will come before city council on Feb. 22.
Offenders of the proposed bylaw would be fined $305 for a first infraction. However, offenders would only be issued warning tickets during a grace period that would end July 1.
The ban is a response to recommendations by Ottawa Public Health. Its smoke-free Ottawa strategy also calls for more programs that would prevent smoking among youth, as well as more resources to help current smokers kick the habit.