Peterborough Public Health Reminds Residents Of Prohibited Public Smoking and Vaping in City Outdoor Public Spaces

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has reminded residents and visitors that smoking and vaping are prohibited in area parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields announced on Monday.

Photo by Luke Best.

“Everyone deserves to enjoy these beautiful spaces free from exposure to secondhand smoke and vape products,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Active enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the current bylaw will protect people from being exposed and support anyone who is trying to quit using cannabis and tobacco.”

Smoking or vaping in Peterborough at a park, playground, sports field or beach could result in a fine of up to $305. This includes anyone attending a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park.

“Our partnership with the health unit has been ongoing for several years and is quite successful,” said Tracey Randall, General Manager, Peterborough Musicfest. “We are excited to be back this season offering our concert series throughout July and August once again. As in years past, we want to make sure that the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone, which includes ensuring a smoke and vape-free experience at the park.”

Peterborough Police and Public Health Tobacco Enforcement Officers are enforcing the rules in local parks this summer according to PPH.

PPH says keeping parks smoke and vape-free keep children safe from the harmful effects of tobacco and help denormalize tobacco use. They also help protect the environment from toxic cigarette butts.

Anyone who is exposed to secondhand smoke is encouraged to report the exposure to Peterborough Public Health by calling 705-743-1000 or using the online report form available at PPH’s website and searching for “secondhand smoke.”

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New Bylaw Supports Smoke-Free And Vape-Free Spaces for All

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Peterborough Public Health has partnered with Peterborough Police, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough Musicfest to remind people that both the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking Bylaw prohibit smoking and vaping in area parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields, and at street festivals like Peterborough Pulse.

“Smoking rates continue to decline, but many people believe that smoking outdoors is harmless when in fact there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Actively enforcing the bylaw will both protect people from toxic second-hand smoke and support a reduction in smoking rates.”

New this year will be the inclusion of e-cigarettes or "vapes" in the City of Peterborough’s bylaw. City Council approved the revised bylaw on July 9th, 2018.

“We’re learning more about e-cigarettes and what’s in them,” adds Dr. Salvaterra. “Just because e-cigarettes are less harmful than conventional cigarettes, that doesn’t make them harmless.” A recent report, Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes, noted that e-cigarettes both contain and emit toxic substances.

Peterborough Police and Public Health Tobacco Enforcement Officers will be enforcing the rules in parks and at events this summer.

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