Park Board approves smoke-free parks and beaches

April 20, 2010 (No. 17) - The Vancouver Park Board has approved a smoking ban in the city's parks and beaches effective September 1, 2010. As a result of a unanimous vote at their public meeting last night, Commissioners will seek amendments to the Parks Control By-Law to prohibit smoking in all 224 parks including trails, playgrounds and fields, and 18 kilometres of beaches. They will also seek a similar amendment to the City of Vancouver Health By-Law which will be presented to Council for their approval.

The new policy is part of the Park Board's commitment to the promotion of a healthy urban environment and support for active living and wellness. Vancouver's parks and beaches contain some of the most celebrated natural spaces in the country. The Board's mandate is to protect these cherished public places for the enjoyment of all.

The Board made the decision on the basis of established medical evidence about the significant health dangers of smoking, the environmental and aesthetic impacts of cigarette litter, the fire risks in urban forests, the results of public consultation and the successful experience of other jurisdictions. Vancouver will now join municipalities in the Lower Mainland and throughout North America which have already taken such action to improve the experience in public parks. Smoking bans have proven effective in reducing exposure to second hand smoke, reducing smoking initiation and increasing smoking cessation.

The smoking ban will take effect on September 1 after an education and awareness campaign which will begin immediately and continue throughout the summer. The Park Board will work with other community partners including Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Fire and Rescue, the Clean Air Coalition of B.C. and the Canadian Cancer Society to provide information to residents and visitors about the new restrictions. Enforcement of the Parks Control By-law will be carried out by Park Ranger staff.

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Media contact: Joyce Courtney, Manager of Communications, at 604- 257-8699

• April 19, 2010 staff report No-smoking policy for Vancouver Parks and Beaches

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

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