P.E.I.'s provincial ski park will be smoke free starting next year.

The ski park is intended to promote a health lifestyle, says Tourism Minister Rob Henderson. (CBC)

Tourism Minister Rob Henderson and Health Minister Doug Currie announced Tuesday that in 2014 smoking will be banned at the Brookvale Winter Activity Park.

Brookvale already restricts smoking on the lift, in the lift lineup, on the ski hills and within 15 feet of any building. Henderson said the decision to bring in a complete ban was made as part of the province’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles. “Brookvale is an outdoor recreational facility. We are trying to promote healthy, active, lifestyles for our general public,” he said. “We feel that it would be appropriate not to look at condoning smoking at such a property.”

Henderson said bringing in the ban next year will give staff and the public plenty of notice.

No additional park employees will be hired to ensure the new policy is followed. The rules will be enforced by members of the ski patrol and existing staff.