Former smoker Bev Reeves took her opposition to the policy to the Manitoba residential tenancies branch, complaining that it was "extremist, unnecessary and leaves people with no dignity."

But the mediator sided with Globe General Agencies.

"The landlord's argument is persuasive," wrote the mediator, identified only as B. Andrews.

"I conclude the rule will improve people's access to peaceful enjoyment of their units and of the complex, it will improve the safety, comfort and welfare of tenants .�.�. and it will reduce and eventually eliminate cleaning and replacement expenses brought about by the prevalence of tobacco smoke."

The ruling is dated Feb. 7 but was only released Friday.

Reeves said she's not surprised or disappointed by the ruling and has no plans to appeal.

"I just wanted some discussion about it," said Reeves, 63, who quit smoking eight years ago.

"I wanted to get the message across that landlords have to do something else than just set a policy. They have to be willing to upgrade their ventilation systems, clean their ventilation systems and clean their hallway carpets - all the things that are needed to really make a non-smoking policy."

Globe banned smoking Oct. 1 for all new tenants moving into any of its 5,000 units. However, smokers who lived in their apartments before that date are still allowed to light up in their homes.

Company president Richard Morantz welcomed the decision.

"We're happy that we're going to be able to start to work on providing a healthier environment and hopefully one day we'll be able to offer a (completely) smoke-free environment as turnover happens," said Morantz.

He said Reeves' building is well maintained and is being renovated.

Reeves said balconies should have been exempt from the ban and Globe should have tried to consult and work with the tenants to gradually phase in the policy.