Martensville Messenger January 19, 2017 | Page 8

Page 8 - JANUARY 19 , 2017 - martensville messenger

City of Martensville Discusses Hookah Lounge Proposal

Ciara O ’ Reilly , Martensville Messenger
Martensville is a rapidly expanding community , and typically with expansion comes innovation . Members of our community are constantly coming up with unique ways to allow our city to stand out from others , and in turn attract the populations . Recently proposed to Martensville ’ s Council members to contemplate was the potential placement of a hookah lounge . In and Out Pizza of 323 Centennial Dr S , suggested converting their restaurant into a hookah lounge after typical business hours . What is a Hookah lounge ?
Hookah lounges are commercial establishments where people gather to smoke flavored tobacco products ( shisha ) from a water-based hookah pipe . Other names for a hookah lounge includes hookah bar , hookah cafe , hookah den and shisha bar . The use of hookahs originates from India and during the ancient times using a hookah was not only a custom , but a matter of status . Rich and landed classes would smoke hookahs . Tobacco is still smoked in hookahs in many villages as per traditional customs . A hookah session is typically smoked in groups , so the same mouthpiece tends to be passed around the table for roughly an hour per session . The hookah itself is made up of different components including the bowl , the tube , the body / gasket and the water jar . Many people choose smoking from a hookah in comparison to a cigarette because it tastes better , lasts longer ( typically an hour ), is multicultural , hip , and allows smokers to enjoy a great atmosphere alongside friends .
Shisha or also known as sheesha , is a tobacco substance mixed with molasses or honey that is used for hookah smoking . Unlike the tobacco in cigars and cigarettes , which contains industrial chemicals and artificial additives , shisha is made of only natural substances and comes in a wide range of flavors . There is also the option for a tobacco-free shisha ; however toxins from the smoke are just as dangerous as those emitted through cigarettes . Despite typical belief , even after it has passed through water , the smoke from a hookah still contains high levels of toxic agents which are thusly cancer-causing chemicals . Even if you use tobacco-free shisha , you ' re still at risk from the carbon monoxide and any toxins in the coal or charcoal used to burn the shisha . Second hand smoke is also a concern . A report from The World Health Organization ( WHO ) noted that the smoke inhaled in a typical one-hour hookah session can equal out to be equivalent to smoking between 100-200 cigarettes .
Hookah and shisha use is becoming increasingly popular in Toronto , as it is often considered a healthier option than cigarette smoking . However that is not necessarily the case . In Toronto , the practice of hookah lounges has been ongoing for a number of years , until just recently the city banned hookah use in all licensed places . There is now only a case to be heard at Ontario ’ s Appeal Court city that stands between such businesses . According to the Edge of Toronto , lounge owners Fallah and Hamarneh are very disappointed with this decision . The lounge owners say they make 90 per cent of their money through shisha . “ The city ’ s ban is like going to a store selling only cheese , and banning cheese ”, informed Fallah . “ Yes , shisha smoking is a bit unhealthy ”, the men admit , “ but so is fast food , alcohol , and car exhaust . You smell air , you get harm ,” Hamarneh argues . “ There are bars , marijuana dispensaries , and doughnut shops aplenty in Toronto ,” Fallah says , “ If a person is an adult , they can do what they want .”
Due to Martensville ’ s smoking bylaw , regulations state that smoking is prohibited “ in any restaurant , licensed premises including outdoor seating area , deck , and patio or sidewalk cafe if service is provided ”. The proposal made by In and Out Pizza is a clear violation of the city of Martensville ’ s smoking policies , and due to the health risks that clearly outweigh the benefits , it is with great doubt that we could see the bylaw being lifted and a hookah lounge in our city .

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Martensville Welcomes New Bylaw Officers

Ciara O ’ Reilly , Martensville Messenger
The newest members to the City of Martensville staff are bylaw officers , Kim Hryhoriw and Doug Paulson . The two will be responsible for overseeing the bylaw operations within the city including the enforcement of these bylaws .
The duties of our new officers include the enforcement of animal control , traffic , nuisance , noise , forestry , snow removal , and many more . The bylaw officers will work with our community providing information regarding the bylaws and assist in the understanding of these bylaws .
For bylaw inquiries , you can reach our city ’ s bylaw officers at 306-229-6859 .

“ unplugged and all in ”