Changes to the city's smoking bylaw had first and second readings at city council Monday night, but not before there was an attempt by a councillor to continue to allow smoking at outdoor seated areas.

Coun. Scott McMann tried to insert a few modifications which would have continued to allow smoking outdoors where young people would not be allowed.

“I have a real concern that we make the assumption that we know what’s better for their business than they do, and I really have a concern with that,” he said.

After hearing from medical health officer Dr. Mark Vooght, and Dr. Mark Brown who were in attendance, McMann's amendments were defeated.

“If you want to talk about the economy, let’s talk about the cost of smoking-related illnesses,” said Brown. “Billions and billions of dollars (is) the cost to the taxpayers in this country.”

Brown, a family doctor in the city for 20 years and a major driving force behind the city's first smoking bylaw, said that there was widespread public support for limiting smoking.

“Seventy five per cent of people polled in Saskatchewan are completely in favour of (going) smoke-free patios and things,” Brown said. “We also know we had a referendum in 2003, where those numbers were verified.

The changes haven't reached third and final reading at council but if they approved at council's next meeting, the goal of the city is to start implementing the changes on Canada Day.

This will be done through letters to the affected restaurant and bar owners, paid media advertising and partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.

“We did choose July 1, more for the parks aspect,” said Tracy Wittke, assistant city clerk. “This will be ongoing... and even for ourselves it will take some time, but we are looking at July 1 to start the implementation to get it going. We’re hoping by the end of August we will have everything in place.”