HAMILTON, ON – May 30, 2011 – Tomorrow is World No Tobacco Day and in just one year the City of Hamilton’s Smoke-Free Outdoor Recreation Areas By-law takes effect. Starting May 31, 2012 the new by-law will ban smoking on all city-owned or operated property used for recreation purposes. Some of the areas included are parks, playgrounds, recreation centre property, arena and stadium property, sports or playing fields, skateboard parks, beaches, outdoor pools and leash-free dog parks.
“Ultimately the by-law will help building a healthier community.” says Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health. “In the next year we’re committed to working with residents, recreation user groups, and other key stakeholders to inform recreation area users of the coming by-law. Our research shows that in other jurisdictions where similar by-laws are in place, the public is supportive and follows the rules that are in place. ”
During the coming year an information campaign will focus public attention and awareness on the by-law prior to its implementation.
Hamilton City Council approved the Smoke-Free Outdoor Recreation Areas By-law this past March. The by-law outlined several goals:
- Protecting the health and safety of the community and vulnerable groups such as children from the health effects of second-hand smoke;
- Support local groups who use City facilities to promote healthy lifestyles;
- Reducing cigarette butt litter will reduce environmental degradation and improve the city’s image;
- Reducing cigarette butt litter will reduce the risks of fire hazards and health hazards for children ingesting and choking;
- Positive role-modeling for children and youth will decrease the likelihood of them starting smoking;
- Providing smoke-free environments encourages people who smoke to quit.
Over fifty municipalities in Ontario have passed by-laws governing smoking in outdoor areas, as well as many other jurisdictions across Canada, the United States and internationally. For more information concerning smoke-free legislation, contact the City of Hamilton Tobacco Hotline at (905) 540-5566, email tobacco@hamilton.ca or visit http://ww.hamilton.ca/tobacco
-30-
Media Contact:
Dr. Chris Mackie
Associate medical Officer of Health
905-546-2424 ext. 2169