First Charges Laid Under City Bylaw Prohibiting Smoking in City Parks
Written by admin, June 27, 2012
June 27, 2012 – The first charges have been laid under the City of Peterborough’s bylaw prohibiting smoking in all municipally-owned parks.
The charges were laid against individuals violating the no smoking bylaw on June 20 by Peterborough Public Health’s Tobacco Enforcement Officer. The fine for smoking in a city park is $305.
The charges were laid because Public Health and City staff received public complaints about outdoor smoking in city parks. Any person using a park who sees people smoking within park boundaries may report a violation by phoning the Tobacco Enforcement Officer at (705) 743-1000, ext. 245.
“The City of Peterborough is doing its part of contributing to a smoke-free society. Many communities in Canada and across Ontario have embraced similar restrictions or bans on smoking in public outdoor spaces,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Now it’s time for the community to step up to the plate and make the changes they want to continue denormalizing tobacco use for everyone’s good health.”
“The City has utilized a phased in approach since 2009 to expand the ban on smoking at city-owned beaches, playgrounds, wading pools, sport fields, and within all city parks. The public’s response has been quite positive,” said Rob Anderson, Recreation Division Coordinator. “We are confident that further promotion of healthy living and compliance with the smoking bylaw will result in fewer charges being laid.”
On May 1, the final phase of the city’s four-year plan to ban smoking in all city parks came into effect. The no smoking bylaw now covers all 169 city parks and sports fields, with the exception of three parks that have a designated smoking area. Healthy living and care for the environment have driven this initiative.
Earlier in the year, the city hired event monitors to attend sporting events to issue warnings and increase awareness about smoke-free parks. City recreation staff also provided all local sporting leagues with information about the new bylaw to share with referees, team officials, and players. In addition, the city launched a radio campaign in May promoting smoke-free parks.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391