Vicki Hartlen - Delhi News-Record

Thursday April 06, 2006

New provisions to the Smoke-Free Ontario act will not effect the construction of the Delhi Belgian Club’s new patio.
“It’s definitely still a go,” said Mary Kowanetz, secretary treasurer. “My phone has been ringing off the hook, but it’s still going to be here this summer.”
Kowanetz’s phone was ringing after the province announced it was including enclosed outdoor patios in the smoking ban.
The new provision to the act will see an end to smoking in restaurants, clubs and halls where enclosed outdoor patios were built to protect smokers from the weather.

“Thankfully the patio we’ve designed for the Belgian Hall fits the provincial requirements and will still be allowed to have smoking,” said Kowanetz.
The province will put an end to smoking in enclosed outdoor patios with two or more walls and any coverings, such as awnings or hard roofs, when the act comes into effect May 31 this year.
Although Kowanetz insists the patio was not a direct result of the coming ban, she admits is it well timed.
“When I thought of having a patio added to the Belgian Club it wasn’t for the smokers,” she explained. “It was because I wanted to see something different at the hall, a way to bring in more people.”
It is hoped the patio will be open by the May long weekend.
Although construction has yet to begin, Kowanetz said the club hopes to form a construction committee soon and begin work once spring officially arrives.
Kowanetz said once the patio is open it will be operational until Labour Day weekend.