Sights such as this may disappear from city parks if the Ottawa Board of Health has its way and city council extends the current smoking ban.
City council has tabled new smoking bylaw restrictions in an effort to further crack down on the dangers of second-hand smoke.
If passed, smoking will be banned at public beaches, in parks and on all restaurant and bar patios as early as next spring, says the Ottawa Board of Health.
The health risks that go hand-in-hand with smoking are a driving force in the decision to update the city’s 10-year-old bylaw.
Coun. Diane Holmes, Ottawa Board of Health chair, says there has been pressure from the public to improve the existing law.
“I think people are very interested in second-hand smoke issues and having their children, in particular, not be affected by second-hand smoke.”
According to statistics by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, approximately 6,300 non-smokers die each year from exposure to second-hand smoke.
City council has requested that the board review and report back on the public health value of becoming completely smoke-free in these public areas.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act sets a minimum standard for all cities across the province, allowing municipalities to pass more restrictive rules at their discretion. Holmes says Ottawa will join the ranks of other cities such as Toronto that passed similar prohibitions in 2006.
According to the City of Ottawa, exposure to second-hand smoke causes children to suffer more frequent ear infections and lung problems.
Tara Garrett is a frequent visitor at St. Luke’s park with her young son. As a parent of an asthmatic child, she says she is grateful for the bylaw changes that will allow him to breathe smoke-free at his favourite park.
“It’s especially important for young children to play in a safe environment,” Garrett says. “I don’t know how many times I’ve caught my son picking up cigarette butts and trying to eat them.”
St. Luke’s park, located at Frank Street and Gladstone Avenue, is equipped with a playground, wading pool and sports facilities. Holmes says the park is a perfect example of city council’s intent. It is frequented by children and families, meaning the proposed bylaw could directly impact their well-being.
City councillors voted almost unanimously on Sept. 14 in support of creating the new smoke-free rules.
Bob Monette, a reformed smoker for over 20 years, was the sole member of council in opposition. He says he strongly believes in education over legislation and would rather see businesses make their own decisions.
Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, a member of the Board of Health, is concerned about a linkage between banning smoking and a coincidental upward trend in illicit drug use, binge drinking, and sexually transmitted infections.
Fullerton says that anti-smoking lobbyists are loud and well-organized. In turn, this silences other voices and dismisses issues that collectively have as many negative health outcomes as does smoking.
She voted in support of the proposed bylaw but wants more research done to prove that it will be effective.
“I would love to be able to say ban smoking: people will be healthier, they won’t have all these problems and the health care system will be less burdened,” she says. “But this issue is not completely isolated.”
The Ottawa Board of Health will study the motion and make recommendations in the coming months. Holmes voted in favour of a tight timeline in order to push legislation through quickly and implement new regulations as early as April.
She says the board has provided a reasonable amount of time to thoroughly smooth out any financial and operational concerns. Specific details about penalties and enforcement will be decided jointly between the board and the City of Ottawa’s Bylaw and Regulatory Services and Legal Services.
“For sure we want it in time for the beaches, parks and patio season next year.”