Grey Bruce Public Health is reminding residents that vaping is prohibited in many local public areas.
GBPH wants everyone to remember and respect the fact that under the law, smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on or near sports fields, playgrounds, or skateparks.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking and vaping in all enclosed public places and designated outdoor spaces. These regulations are in place to safeguard individuals from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
“Many organized sports were cancelled or scaled back during the COVID-19 pandemic and limits were placed on the number of spectators permitted along sidelines and in the stands. With all pandemic-related public health measures now lifted – and the outdoor sports season essentially back to normal – we feel it’s a good time to remind parents, players, and others of the rules related to smoking or vaping at certain outdoor public places,” explained Dr. Rim Zayed, Physician Consultant at GBPH.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act bans smoking or vaping:
On children’s playgrounds and public areas within 20 metres of a playground;
On publicly owned sporting areas, their spectator areas, or public areas within 20 metres of these places;
On the grounds of community recreational facilities, such as arenas, pools, and gyms, and on public areas within 20 metres of those grounds; and
Within 20 metres of a school property
"There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” added Dr. Zayed. “Grey Bruce Public Health is dedicated to protecting the health of everyone in Grey-Bruce and this includes working to safeguard children and youth from the harmful, cancer-causing chemicals in second-hand smoke.”
Anyone with questions related to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act can contact Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1211.
