A baby friendly community
After a unanimous vote by city council, Penticton is officially a baby-friendly community.
“Prior to this formality, the city staff and facilities have been welcoming as a baby friendly community, which includes breastfeeding mothers,” said Coun. Judy Sentes.
The new policy includes presenting a welcoming attitude to all mothers, not asking breastfeeding mothers to cover up and advising any other visitors with concerns, that breastfeeding is an acceptable and supported practice, and that asking a nursing mother to cover up would violate the Human Rights Code of B.C.
The new policy was inspired by a team of fourth year nursing students and supported by public health nurse Meggie Ross.
This has been the practice at the pool, said recreation director Lori Mullin, but by implementing it as a citywide policy, it will reach out to all of city facilities.
Blasting Control
Up until Monday night, Penticton relied on WorksafeBC legislation to regulate blasting activities within the city’s borders, but that may soon be changing.
Mitch Moroziuk, the city’s director of operations, said that blasting to remove rock during construction of the new residential subdivision above the Wiltse development resulted in several inquiries from the public about what could and could not occur as part of the blasting process.
Among regulations covering insurance, liability and inspection, the new bylaw includes the requirement of a blasting permit at $250 and limits blasting to between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Council voted unanimously to give the new policy its first, second and third readings.