Pubdate: Mon, 17 Aug 2015
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 The Hamilton Spectator
Contact:  http://www.thespec.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181
Author: Ninh Tran
Note: Dr. Ninh Tran is the associate medical officer of health for 
the City of Hamilton's Public Health Services
Page: A15

BAN ON LIGHTING UP IN PARKS IS GOOD PUBLIC POLICY

Smoke-Free Laws Have Contributed to Lower Tobacco Use and Better Health

On Aug. 8 two articles appeared in The Hamilton Spectator concerning 
City of Hamilton Bylaw No. 11-080 Prohibiting Smoking within City 
Parks and Recreation Properties. The first article entitled "Ticats 
fans can't light up on promenade" focused on cigarette smoking that 
is occurring outside Tim Hortons Field. The second article entitled 
"City park no smoking rule hazy? " profiled a variety of issues 
associated with smoking, not only cigarettes but also marijuana, and 
other security restrictions in place at the Supercrawl event held on 
Aug. 7 at Pier 4 Park.

Signs like these are here to stay in Hamilton's public parks and 
recreation spaces.

The City of Hamilton has prohibited tobacco smoking within its parks 
and recreation properties since May 31, 2012. The bylaw applies to 
Tim Hortons Field as it is municipally owned. Since the bylaw's 
introduction, a combination of public education and enforcement has 
been employed to support compliance with the prohibition of smoking 
in these locations. Ongoing enforcement, and an earlier evaluation of 
the bylaw, demonstrates that there is high public awareness of the 
bylaw and that the majority of people who choose to smoke are moving 
off city parks and recreation property to smoke.

Provincial and municipal no smoking laws have historically been 
specific to the smoking of tobacco products. In particular, 
municipalities have the authority to regulate tobacco smoking and 
establish prohibited areas where smoking is not allowed. The smoking 
of other substances, such as marijuana, falls beyond existing no 
smoking laws and are a criminal matter confronting police.

In addition to the municipal no smoking laws, the province of Ontario 
recently amended the Smoke-Free Ontario Act to include additional 
outdoor spaces where smoking is now prohibited. Regulatory changes 
that took effect this past January 1 include prohibiting smoking on 
bar and restaurant patios, within 20 metres of provincially or 
municipally owned sports fields and spectator viewing areas, and 
children's playgrounds.

The Ontario Government's recent passing of the Making Healthier 
Choices Act and Electronic Cigarette Act earlier this summer signal a 
further commitment to reducing the harmful effects that tobacco 
products and smoking have on our society. As of Jan. 1, 2016, 
electronic cigarettes and the act of vamping will be treated similar 
to tobacco and tobacco smoking by prohibiting use in public places 
and workplaces, affording people further protection from unwanted 
environmental exposure and regulating point-of-sale promotions and 
youth access.

Hamilton Public Health Services continues to support public education 
campaigns and enforcement of both the municipal and provincial 
smoke-free laws. Tobacco control remains a public health priority. 
Healthy public policies like the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and City of 
Hamilton Bylaw No. 11-080 continue to contribute to a downward trend 
in tobacco use and, ultimately by extension, the improved health and 
well-being of individuals and the wider community.

To learn more about smoke-free laws and cessation services visit 
hamilton.ca/ tobacco. To register a complaint concerning smoking in a 
prohibited place contact  or call Hamilton's 
Tobacco Hotline at 905-540-5566.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom