From Spanish Banks to English Bay, Vancouver's beaches are envied the world over. But look closely, and you'll find a dirty secret: cigarette butts.
While smoking on the beach is banned in Southern California, it's perfectly legal here - for now.
Vancouver Parks Board chair Raj Hundal says this summer the board will be asking the public what they want done about smoking on the beach.
"I think it has to come down to what the public wants, what the community wants," Hundal said. "I'm totally down for public consulation."
Sun-revelers on English Bay were split on Saturday. Some felt it should be banned outright, while others said a few courtesy signs would do the trick.
"I think people would be a little more courteous if they were just reminded of it," one beach-goer said.
Others - who tend to have a cigarette in hand - still prefer the status quo.
"It's an open area," said one smoker. "It's not a problem."
It's a debate that will draw a line in the sand, smoker versus non-smoker -- but Hundal says the majority of residents must to be considered.
"I think it's fair to say the majority of Vancouverites don't smoke, right? And the question is, what do they want?" he said.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Shannon Paterson
