Smoking Prohibited in City Outdoor Public Spaces for Everyone’s Health
Written by admin, July 13, 2017
July 13 – Local Public Health Partners Remind Residents about Smoke-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 in area parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields.
“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 secondhand smoke,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Actively enforcing the current bylaw will both protect people from toxic secondhand smoke and support a reduction in smoking rates.”
She noted that smoking in Peterborough at a park, playground, 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 this summer.
Dr. Salvaterra said the good news is that the norms are changing, and that a recent study showed support was significantly higher for smoke-free outdoor spaces in 2015 than it was five years before, as more people are ready for and want smoke-free outdoor spaces. “Smoke?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.
“We know that two-thirds of Peterborough residents who smoke want to quit smoking in the next six months, and smoke-free parks will play a part in those quit attempts,” Dr. Salvaterra added.
Help is available for those who want to quit smoking by calling Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 330.
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For further information, please contact:
Keith Beecroft
Health Promoter, Tobacco Use Prevention
705-743-1000, ext. 238
OR
Courtney Howe
Tobacco Enforcement Officer
705-743-1000, ext. 245