Niagara Region Smoke-free Outdoor Spaces Bylaw Overview
Learn about the proposed bylaw in Niagara Region aiming to restrict smoking in outdoor settings beyond the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Explore the purpose, recommendations, council endorsement, benefits of smoke-free outdoor spaces, and existing smoke-free legislation in Ontario.
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Presentation Transcript
Niagara Region Smoke-free Outdoor Spaces Bylaw Gillian McDonald Health Promoter, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Niagara Region Public Health Maria Brigantino Manager, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Niagara Region Public Health
Purpose To discuss the proposed bylaw restricting smoking in outdoor settings beyond the Smoke- Free Ontario Act To ensure consultation and engagement with local area municipalities To share Regional and local results from public consultation surveys
PHSSC Recommendations The report was received at the Public Health and Social Services committee (PHSSC) on November 6, 2012, with two amendments to the recommendations to Regional Council: Clearly define the exclusion of roads, sidewalks and right-of-ways in relation to regionally and municipally owned properties Public consultation be included with working with municipalities in creation of the bylaw
Regional Council Endorsement On November 16, 2012, the Region s report Call for Regional Action for Smoke-free Outdoor Spaces was brought forward to Regional Council The report recommended the creation of a regional bylaw to prohibit outdoor smoking on all regionally and municipally owned properties including: Parks Playgrounds Sports fields Splash pad Bus shelters Beaches The report and recommendations were endorsed by Regional Council
Benefits of Smoke-free Outdoor Spaces Creates safer and healthier communities Protects residents from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke Provides positive role modelling for youth, decreasing the chances that youth start to smoke Reduces litter and pollution from discarded cigarette butts Encourages smokers to quit or cut back
Existing Smoke-free Legislation in Ontario The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) protects children from smoking outdoors on properties that contain day nurseries, elementary and high schools, however it does not apply to high-use areas like parks and playgrounds For outdoor spaces, the legislation specifies: o No smoking is permitted anywhere on school property o Smoking is prohibited within 9 meters of hospitals and long-term care facilities o Smoking is prohibited on patios which have a roof or an overhang
Existing Smoke-free Bylaws in Niagara Welland (1983): Smoking is prohibited in city parks where No Smoking signs are posted West Lincoln (2008): Smoking is prohibited within 9 metres surrounding any entrances to the West Lincoln Community Centre and Arena Grimsby (2010): Smoking is prohibited within 9 metres surrounding any entrance and exit to any municipal facility Niagara Falls (May 2011): Prohibits smoking in all city-owned parks, recreational facilities, bus shelters, and entrances to city-owned buildings
Public Engagement Niagara Region Public Health administered surveys at over 60 locations across Niagara between May- June 2012 In total, 1,907 Niagara residents completed the survey. The results found that the majority of smokers and non-smokers support some level of restriction to smoking in outdoor settings. Key Findings: 88% of Niagara residents support a bylaw restricting smoking in outdoor public settings 94% of visitors to the Niagara region support a bylaw restricting smoking in outdoor public settings 90% of Niagara residents support Niagara Falls bylaw to some extent 85% of Niagara residents agreed that restricting smoking in outdoor settings is good for the health of their community
Implementation and Enforcement The Tobacco Program would be primarily responsible for enforcing the Regional bylaw Enforcement would be based on an educate, warn and enforce model The educational phase would occur during the first year of implementation, followed by tickets in 2014 Recommended set fine is $250 with applicable court fees, total payable fine is $305 Proposed implementation date is May 31, 2013
Next Steps Consultation and engagement with municipalities Draft bylaw Bring to Regional Council seeking majority vote Final bill goes to municipalities seeking endorsement- majority vote required to pass bylaw
