Auto Accessonies Upholstery Repairs Windshield Repairs 781 MAIN ST. #1 & 2, MILTON 876-4785 A Metroland Commumity Newspaper Vol. 144 No. 8 Friday, Aprfl 11, 200 36 Pages $1 00 (GST mncluded) New town bylaw proposes allowing designated smoking rooms in 2004 By JASON MISNER The Champi on WorkPlaces and public places could allow smoking indoors starting New Year's Day if they instal designated smoking rooms (DSRs). It's part of proposed changes to Mfilon's current smoking bylaw that bans smoking in these places. And it's already receiving opposition and some stinging cniticism in and out- side of Halton. Milton's smoking bylaw amend- ment States that workplaces and pub- lic places can't use DSRs until January 1, regardless if one can be constructed for use immediately. There's no deadîmne for when a DSR must be installed. Based on the draft bylaw, Town Hall, considered a public place, could theoretically build a DSR. lsere are standards and ventilation requirements to construct a legal .DSR. Currently the only establish- ment in NMilton allowed a DSR is Bingo Country on Regional Road 25. As part of thse draft bylaw, outdoor patios - a popular place for patrons to smoke - would have to bave one open wall to allow smoke to escape and can't be completely enclosed. The Royal Canadian Legion on Charles Street would be exempt from thse amnended bylaw and could still allow smoking. The public must submit written opinions about tise draft bylaw to the Town by April 22. Town council is scheduled to debate it April 28. Mayor Gord Krantz said he sup- ports allowing DSRs only in bars and restaurants, with proper ventilation, because it's a matter of "freedomn of cisoice." He doesn't support them in govemment places, like Town Hall. Mn. Krantz said he's not overly concemed about thse perception that allowing DSRs risks watering down the current bylaw. What's important, he said, is employers not force employees to enter these DSRs, as part of their job, if they don't want to. "They should be made well aware of the potential for second-hand smoke risks," he said. Halton's Medîcal Officer of Health Dr. Bob.Nosal hasn't seen the draft bylaw but said the proposition of a DSR is "unfortunate" and it speaks to see TORONTO on page 2 I An da J.M. Deny.s is one of elght public elementary schools ln Halton taking part ln an alternative lunch program being tested ln Haton. At ieft, Kelsey Laidlaw (ieft) prepares to dlg into her sandwich whiie Faith Russell enJoys her pasta lunch. Inset, Matthew Gooding bites Into hlm apple. The pilot project, known as the 'Balanced Day Project', provides two nutrition breaks of 40 and W0 minutes. The change la sald ta balance the amount of time between children's nutri- tional and exorcise needs and maxîmîze classroom learnlng tie. The foremost ratlonale for the new achedule la lmproving learning conditions for stu- dents. Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Comment...... 6-7 NS Report .......8 A&E............g Dateline..18-19 Sports .... ..23-24 'Classified .... .25-28 s um W - puIM m11.sq m *kajhaU *fl Mffb .1g'-Fmm M - Est .Uiaa ua - s I MAk. w nou .* , *Ihnu te &ru 'aa aus M DaDtmu