Smoke-Free Ontario Act Enforcement at local parks, playgrounds and sports fields

Peterborough Public Health is reminding coaches, athletes, team supporters, and outdoor enthusiasts about the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and your role in protecting all Ontarians from secondhand smoke and vapour.

Since 2018, it has been illegal to smoke or vape on or within 20m of many outdoor locations, including playgrounds, sports fields and beaches. Plainly, there is to be no smoking or vaping at these outdoor venues. Tobacco Enforcement Officers will be completing surveillance and inspections of various locations around the City and County of Peterborough throughout the summer.

It’s worth noting that: 

• Most people DON’T smoke; only 9.9% of Ontarians smoke
• Nearly half of all people that smoke, want to quit smoking; smoke-free spaces help people with their quit attempts
• There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke
• Secondhand vapour contains heavy metals and ultrafine particles that are dangerous when inhaled
• "When youth and young adults see others smoking, it can influence them to start smoking and gives the perception that it is acceptable.” (Health Canada)

• Talking with your teen about vaping: A tip sheet for parents
• Don’t treat your health like an experiment, talk about vaping with your athlete
• What’s in a vape, and how to have a conversation with your teens about it

Resources to quit smoking or vaping: 

• Smokers’ Helpline provides both cessation counselors and trial nicotine replacement therapy, and STOP on the Net is an online program to help you quit smoking that also comes with free nicotine replacement therapy.

Thank you for your help in protecting the health of our community – especially those that are going to a sports field to participate in an activity that they love or spend time outside in the fresh air.  For more information please contact the Tobacco Enforcement Team at Peterborough Public Health at: environmentalhealth@peterboroughpublichealth.ca