The National Capital Commission will try to discourage smokers from lighting up on its lands, after Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird refused to give the NCC expanded legal powers to issue tickets.
“Frankly, giving (the NCC) the powers to give smokers tickets in parks just is not a priority for me,” Baird told reporters.
There is no legal framework which allows the NCC to fine smokers as it does not have a public health mandate.
The NCC will instead rely on a voluntary smoking ban. Signs will be put up on NCC property in Ottawa, such as Confederation Park downtown, to encourage people to butt out before stepping onto Crown property.
The city passed its ban in April, barring smoking on municipal property, beaches and parks, with fines for non-compliance beginning in July.