Smoking ban proposed for parks, outdoor rinks
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 | 8:39 AM AT
CBC News
Halifax regional council will consider a proposal to ban smoking at nearly 500 outdoor facilities where children could be exposed to second-hand smoke.
Coun. Linda Mosher said she pushed for the restrictions after some parents complained about smoking and tobacco litter at sports fields.
She was also alarmed by the number of smokers she saw at Chocolate Lake Beach.
"The data shows that depending on the proximity to somebody smoking, how many people there are and the wind conditions … the effects to a child can be the same as second-hand smoke indoors," she said.
Mosher said outdoor smoking bans are needed to protect the health of children, but not every section of a park must be singled out. She cited the Dingle as an example.
"We would look at the canteen area where a child might be enjoying an ice cream and going to the washroom, and then the other area where we have a supervised beach and a playground," said Mosher.
The proposed smoking restrictions cover hundreds of municipally owned sites, including playgrounds, tennis courts, outdoor rinks and skate parks. Violators would face a $500 fine.
Municipal staff are leaving it up to regional council to decide whether the Public Gardens and the Grand Parade should be added to the list.
Smoking is already banned in Point Pleasant Park and the Hemlock Ravine as a way to prevent fires. But if this proposal is approved, the two parks would be included for health reasons.
Regional council is expected to discuss the staff recommendations on Tuesday.
