This letter was sent to several Lower Mainland newspapers.

I would like to publicly express my heartfelt thanks to the contractors who started the major renovations on at least two Century Group buildings in Tsawwassen; Kelly Court and Kerry Court apartments.

I say "started" because... well, rumor has it that, with the construction market being so hot right now, these contractors got a better offer elsewhere... and packed their bags and left, leaving the reno job at the above-mentioned apartments far from finished.

The renos started in March or April and, while there's still a great deal of work to be done on the buildings, my own suite - as well as that of my neighbour below me - was completed August 26, including the balcony railings being re-installed.

You're probably wondering why I would be so thankful that a job which shouldn't have taken more than 2 or 3 months dragged out for 5 or 6 months, especially with all the disturbances (often being woken up by the pounding of nails, etc.).

Well, with balconies being totally out of bounds to tenants, I finally got to enjoy my first smoke-free summer in a very long time. It's true! Imagine this: In 25 - 30 degree heat, I could actually open my balcony door any time of the day or night and enjoy cool - and fresh - air, without worrying about my smoke-free home getting smoked out every time my neighbour decided she needed a hit of nicotine.

Unfortuantely, with the balconies back in service, the smoke-free status of my home ended rather abruptly on Aug 28 (my neighbour must have been away on Aug 27).

Airspace Action on Smoking and Health is currently lobbying the (to date, very tobacco-friendly) B.C. Liberal government for legislation prohibiting smoking in multi-unit dwellings (apartments, condos, duplexes, etc.).

Given all that is now known about Second Hand Indoor Tobacco Smoke, there is no justification whatsoever for the situation that I am - and countless thousands of other British Columbians are - now experiencing. We have achieved smoke-free workplaces (including bars) and smoke-free public places. It goes without saying that those who choose to have smoke-free homes are - clearly, unequivocally, 100%, uncompromisingly - entitled to them!

The critical issue here has nothing to do with what anybody does (in this case, smoke): It is strictly about where they do it and, even more importantly, where the smoke goes!

Whether smokers care to accept it or not, it is their responsiblity to ensure that the toxic and deadly residue of their stinking addiction does not affect anyone else. In the case of multi-unit dwellings, that means NO SMOKING, PERIOD!

Errol E. Povah
Delta