Smoke-free parks bylaw takes effect September 1, 2010

July 6, 2010 (No. 32) - At their July 5, 2010 meeting, the Vancouver Park Board approved two bylaws related to the upcoming smoking ban in parks. The Park Board Smoking Regulation By-law  describes the regulations surrounding smoking in parks and a second bylaw  authorizes Park Rangers to issue tickets for smoking infractions.

The smoking regulation bylaw takes effect September 1, 2010 and prohibits smoking in Vancouver parks, beaches, seawalls, trails and public golf courses. Enforcement of the bylaw will carried out by Park Rangers who now have the authority to issue infraction tickets to offenders. Fines for a first offence are $250.00.

"Smoke-free parks and beaches is a natural extension of Vancouver's reputation as a healthy, clean and green city," said Park Board chair Aaron Jasper.

The smoking ban was approved by the Park Board on April 19, 2010 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. The City of Vancouver Health By-law was amended on June 10, 2010 in order to support the ban.

Vancouver joins several 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.

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For more information contact Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator,
at (t) 604-257-8438 or (c) 604-992-5646

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.