Smoking outlawed at Toronto playgrounds

Toronto has extended the prohibition to anywhere within nine metres of a city playground, splash pad or wading pool

from code amendment endorsing the ban....

proposed amendments to Municipal Code, Chapter 608, Parks will prohibit smoking in children’s recreational play areas and will be enforced by By-law Officers of the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division. Smoking should be prohibited within a 9-metre radius surrounding the edge of playground safety surfaces or any playground equipment in Toronto parks, within a 9-metre radius surrounding the edge of wading pool basins or safety surfaces of splash pads and within zoos and farms operated by Parks, Forestry and Recreation. This restriction is consistent with Ontario legislation that bans smoking within a 9-metre radius of entrances and exits of hospital buildings.

from the Toronto Star article today...

Officials confess it may be difficult to enforce, but Brenda Patterson, parks general manager, expects to be helped by community self-policing. Just as officers are not standing around looking for dogs off leash or illegal dumping, enforcement will occur if individuals call in a complaint, she said.

Parents and parks staff can simply ask a smoker to put out their cigarette. "Children who recognize it's a no-smoking area will make comments themselves," Patterson said.

The ban will go into effect when the province sets the fine amount. The city is hoping for a $305 fine.

The city will spend $16,000 for no-smoking signs in 833 playgrounds and elsewhere. It also plans a public education campaign.
Link to report presented to counsillors [opens in new window]