Regulating smoking in outdoor spaces
18
2011
We know that, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in Canada. We also know that these effects are particularly harmful to children, whose higher breathing rates, developing lungs, and less developed immune systems make them more susceptible to second-hand smoke.
A number of Canadian municipalities have recently taken the lead on regulating tobacco in commonly shared outdoor spaces. For example, in fall 2010 Vancouver adopted a bylaw banning smoking in parks, beaches, and similar outdoor areas. Winnipeg has prohibited smoking on playgrounds and at the sidelines of athletic fields during youth events. And, last month, Hamilton joined the nearly 60 Ontario municipalities that have passed bylaws regulating smoking in outdoor recreational areas.
To explore what options Edmonton could pursue around this issue, over and above the requirements in Alberta’s current Tobacco Reduction Act, I made the following inquiry to Administration on March 16:
Tobacco use counters the health benefits gained by participating in sport and recreational activities. I would like Administration to provide an overview of the laws or policies used by major cities across Canada to regulate the act of smoking in outdoor commonly shared spaces that are accessible to children.
Specifically, please provide:
- a review of any bylaws or programs that regulate smoking in parks, playgrounds, sports fields or other commonly shared spaces;
- comments on the level and depth of enforcement that accompanies said laws and/or policies; and
- comments on the level of public support of these laws and/or policies.
The purpose of a Council Inquiry is not to direct Administration to act on an issue, but simply to ask them to bring forward information for Council’s consideration at a later time. The report on the above inquiry is due to be discussed on June 13.
While some people argue that regulating smoking outdoors is not the responsibility of municipalities – or is unnecessary and intrusive – regulating tobacco on City properties is similar to regulating alcohol and litter, for example, or to requiring that pets be kept on leashes. The goal these kinds of policies is to ensure that people can enjoy being outside in safe, clean spaces. Regulating health and safety in this way is a municipality’s duty.
Because of our awareness of tobacco’s harmful consequences, smokers already spend much of their days in smoke-free environments -- at work, in bars, on public transit. My inquiry on the potential to regulate smoking outdoors is intended to help City Council decide whether it is in the best interests of Edmontonians to extend our regulations further outdoors.
I am eager to hear how people feel about this. While this topic often elicits strong responses, I think this is an important conversation for Edmontonians to be having right now.
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