ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: March 20, 1996
Dept. File No. D446-50.01
TO: Vancouver City Council
FROM: Manager, Facilities Development, Corporate Services Group
SUBJECT: Smokers' Shelter at City Hall
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council approve the creation of an outdoor smokers' shelter at
City Hall as generally described in option two of this report, for
a cost of up to $15,000; the source of funding to be the existing
unallocated City Hall Capital Budget.
GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The General Manager of Corporate Services RECOMMENDS approval of
the foregoing.
COUNCIL POLICY
In 1995 Council passed a resolution creating 100 percent smoke-free
environments for all civic buildings. In September 1996 Council
requested that staff report back on the cost and a possible location of
an outdoor smokers' shelter for use by City employees.
On March 12, 1996, Council approved a series of recommendations which
will result in an amended smoking by-law for Vancouver. All workplaces
will be non-smoking effective May 31, 1996.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to provide information concerning options
and costs for sheltering smokers at City Hall, and to recommend that a
specific smoking shelter (option two) be implemented.
BACKGROUND
Concerns about the dangers of second-hand smoke led to the general
prohibition of smoking inside all civic buildings. As a result of this
ban, a number of employees and visitors to City Hall congregate at the
entrances of the Main Building and East Wing particularly during
inclement weather. This situation is somewhat unpleasant for visitors
to City Hall who are required to walk through areas with second-hand
smoke and for smokers unable to find weather protection around City
Hall.
DISCUSSION
A survey conducted in October 1995 asked staff who smoke if they would
use various designated areas if some minimal amenities were provided.
Many of the eighty-one staff responding, indicated they would use a
centrally located area for coffee and lunch breaks if it had seating,
weather protection and, if possible, some radiant heating in the winter.
- 2 -
The location favoured by smokers was an outside area north of the
inspectors' offices on the sub-ground level. The following options were
considered:
1. Option One
This option would provide a free-standing modular shelter, approximately
12' 16', located on the plaza, west of the East Wing for an estimated
cost of $25,000 to $35,000. Vancouver General Hospital recently
constructed a smoking shelter behind the Laurel Pavilion with radiant
heating, sprinklers and benches at an approximate cost of $75,000. This
facility does not appear to be heavily utilized by VGH staff, perhaps
due to mitigating factors such as isolated access. We believe that a
similar free-standing shelter would not be well used by City staff, so
this option is not being recommended.
2. Option Two
This option would provide weather protection for smokers near the East
Wing entry north of the Inspectors' Offices as shown in Appendix 'A' at
a cost of up to $15,000. If a centralized smoking area is a desirable
objective, this site provides the best opportunities. Access is
convenient from the Main Building and East Wing and quite a few smokers
use the area now. Two bicycle racks are currently semi-sheltered in
this entrance. A meeting was held with cyclists in January 1996 to see
if there was interest in developing other cycle parking options such as
a secure enclosure in the Yukon parkade. Apparently, most cyclists
would prefer no change. This option will relocate the present bicycle
racks under a canopy as shown on the plan. The introduction of heat to
the smokers' area is not recommended due to high capital and operating
costs.
3. Option Three
This option would upgrade various entrances (up to 6) throughout the
City Hall precinct with benches and tables at a cost of $13,500 to
$16,000. This option improves sites that are presently being used by
staff and provides a better distribution of smoking sites throughout the
precinct. However, complaints have been received from the public and
staff with regard to second-hand smoke at main entrances, hence this
option is not being recommended.
In summary, Option Two which creates a sheltered smokers' area outside
the Inspectors' Offices at a moderate cost is recommended. Concerns and
divergent interests are balanced and addressed to the extent possible.
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