Smoking and Vaping Prohibited in City Outdoor Public Spaces for Everyone’s Health
Written by Communications, July 11, 2018
Local Public Health Partners Remind Residents about Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Laws
Peterborough Public Health is partnering with Peterborough Police, the City of Peterborough, and Peterborough Musicfest to remind residents and visitors that both the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking Bylaw prohibit smoking and vaping in area parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields, and at street festivals like Peterborough Pulse.
“Smoking rates continue to decline, however, many people believe that smoking outdoors is harmless, when in fact there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Actively enforcing the bylaw will both protect people from toxic second-hand smoke and support a reduction in smoking rates.”
New this year will be the inclusion of e-cigarettes or ‘vapes’ in the City of Peterborough’s bylaw. City Council approved the revised bylaw on July 9, 2018. “We’re learning more about e-cigarettes and what’s in them,” added Dr. Salvaterra. “Just because e-cigarettes are less harmful than conventional cigarettes, that doesn’t make them harmless.” A recent report, Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes, noted that e-cigarettes both contain and emit toxic substances.
She added that smoking or vaping in Peterborough at a park, playground, street festival, or beach (including Peterborough Musicfest events and ball diamonds) could result in a fine up to $305. Peterborough Police and Public Health Tobacco Enforcement Officers will be enforcing the rules in parks and at events this summer.
Dr. Salvaterra said the good news is that the norms are changing as more people are ready for and want smoke-free and vape-free outdoor spaces. “Smoke?free and vape-free public spaces provide a supportive environment for people who wish to stop smoking, and many people see positive, smoke-free role-modelling as especially important for our youth,” she said.
Help is available for those who want to quit smoking by calling Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 330, visiting their pharmacist, or talking with their family doctor.
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For further information, please contact:
Keith Beecroft
Health Promoter, Tobacco Use Prevention Program
705-743-1000, ext. 238