NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGION
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Following public consultation and approval from both regional and municipal councils, an updated Smoke and Vape-Free Outdoor Spaces Bylaw is now in effect for the Niagara region.
“Public support for smoke-free outdoor spaces is strong, especially in areas where children play,” said Diana Teng, manager, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Niagara Region Public Health. “A recent survey with over 5,000 Niagara residents demonstrated that more than 76 per cent supported stronger restrictions around vaping and smoking tobacco or cannabis in outdoor settings.”
The updated bylaw now prohibits tobacco, cannabis and vaping products from being smoked or vaped in several public spaces in the Niagara region, including:
- Beaches (new)
- Recreation trails (new)
- Within nine metres of an entrance or exit of a publicly accessible place, building or workplace (new)
- Parks, playgrounds and sports fields
- Splash pads and outdoor pools
- Arenas and recreation centres
- Outdoor areas of municipal and regional buildings
- Bus shelters
With these changes to the bylaw, tobacco control officers will use a progressive enforcement model to build public awareness and educate both residents and visitors on the update to the bylaw.
“Protecting children from second-hand smoke and vapour remains a top priority for Niagara Region Public Health. Meanwhile, products continue to be developed and children and youth targeted to become future smokers and vapers. All the municipalities, after listening to the residents, have worked together to develop a stronger consistent bylaw across Niagara that will further help denormalize smoking and vaping, decrease visual cues for those trying to quit, and provide protection where Niagarans work and play.” said Dr. Andrea Feller, associate medical officer of health, Niagara Region Public Health.
For more information, to report a complaint, or for assistance with quitting smoking, please contact the Tobacco Hotline at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7393 or visit niagararegion.ca/health.
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