News Release: Health Unit Supports North Bay's Smoking By-law Amendments

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release: May 8, 2019

HEALTH UNIT SUPPORTS NORTH BAY’S SMOKING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS.

NORTH BAY - The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) promotes a smoke-free lifestyle, and is in full support of the City of North Bay’s decision to amend their Smoking By-law, to further protect the health of the public. The changes include:

• Prohibit smoking and vaping of any substance, including cannabis in all places where smoking is prohibited.
• Prohibit smoking and vaping in all City parks.
• Prohibit smoking and vaping on all City property.
• Prohibit smoking and vaping in all workplaces and public places.

“We support the amendments to North Bay’s Smoking By-law and once passed we believe the by-law will be one of the first of its kind in Ontario. We hope that other municipalities will follow suit,” said Dr. Jim Chirico, MOH at the Health Unit.

In October of 2018, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2017 (SFOA 2017) came into affect. The Act now includes vaping and cannabis, along with new legislation prohibiting smoking and vaping in public areas within 9m of a restaurant or bar patio, within 20m of the perimeter of school grounds and within 20m of the perimeter of outdoor grounds of a community recreation facility. The changes under the SFOA 2017 presents an opportunity for municipalities to expand their Smoking By-law to also include cannabis and vaping, and address City areas such as beaches, walking trails, green spaces, outdoor festivals and municipal properties.

Dr. Chirico, MOH, Stephanie Lachapelle, Community Health Promoter and Bill Clark, Tobacco Enforcement Officer presented, on behalf of the Health Unit, to City Council last night supporting Coun. Marcus Tignanelli’s motion to enhance the city’s Smoking By-law. Their presentation touched on the effects of second-hand smoke, cannabis and public intoxication, role modelling, the environmental threats associated with smoking, and advocated to remove the designated smoking areas from the Smoking By-law.

“This is not a symbolic amendment to the by-law, but rather the beginning of the de-normalization of smoking cannabis or tobacco and vapour products in our City’s parks, workplaces and public places,” said Coun. Tignanelli. “Education is the key to success. I recognize and understand the impact of the addictions and health implications these products have on their users. Help is available. There are smoking cessation programs available through our local hospital, your family doctor, as well as our Health Unit.”

“I’m proud of Coun. Tignanelli for championing this issue. The health and safety of our residents is paramount and having a smoke-free community aligns with our goal of promoting and facilitating a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Mayor Al McDonald.

In Ontario, the most restrictive law takes precedence when referring to smoking, vaping and cannabis. Thus meaning the amended Smoking By-law will be the most restrictive within North Bay, and therefore, are the rules that must be adhered to.

Quick Facts

• Research demonstrates that levels of second-hand smoke in outdoor settings can be comparable to indoor levels.
• Smoking contributes to increased litter, pollution and risk of fire.
• Exposing youth and young adults to cannabis and e-cigarettes risks renormalizing all forms of smoking including tobacco.

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Media Inquiries

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist

P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808

E: Communications@healthunit.ca