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Smoke-Free Toronto: Strengthening Protection Presentation to Canadian Public Health Association Rich Whate, Healthy Public Policy Suzanne Thibault, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Toronto Public Health May 29, 2014. December 2013 –New outdoor smoking restrictions in Toronto.
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Smoke-Free Toronto: Strengthening Protection Presentation to Canadian Public Health Association Rich Whate, Healthy Public Policy Suzanne Thibault, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Toronto Public Health May 29, 2014
December 2013 –New outdoor smoking restrictions in Toronto Amended four chapters of Toronto Municipal Code: Chapter 709-Smoking Chapter 608-Parks Chapter 636-Public Squares Former Chapter 237-Nathan Phillips Square
What areas did we consider regulating? • Areas where: • Concentrations of smokers can create poor outdoor air and impact indoor air • It can be difficult to escape exposure to second-hand smoke • Seeing people smoke may encourage others to smoke, especially children and youth • Public support is high • Other jurisdictions have taken action Final bylaw changes include the following…
No Smoking within 9m of Sports Fields, Ferry Docks, Park Amenities or on Swimming Beaches Photo: Stanley Yeo, 2013 flickr.com
No Smoking in Public Squares Photo: Emily flickr.com
Recommendation: Province change SFOA to ban smoking • Bar and Restaurant Patios Hospital Grounds
Implementation & Enforcement • Goal: To provide clarity to public and businesses to support compliance and self-enforcement • In 2014, Toronto Public Health and partners will focus on making Toronto residents and business owners aware of the new restrictions. • Collaboration with some business stakeholders and City divisions (Solid Waste Management Services, Parks and Recreation, Municipal Licensing and Standards) creates opportunities for outreach
Examples of co-messaging and collaboration (e.g. cigarette butt litter)
Gaps and Opportunities • Need for routine evaluation of laws for effectiveness and economic impact • Ability to leverage high-profile events (e.g. 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games) • Work with partners on shared goals
Observations and Concluding Thoughts… • Tobacco control and enforcement at the local level is an ongoing public health priority • Challenges: • Political climate • Keeping sight of public health aims • Regulatory fatigue • Regulatory confusion • Regulatory limits
For more information • Rich Whate • Health Policy Specialist, Healthy Public Policy • rwhate@toronto.ca 416-338-8100 • Suzanne Thibault • Manager, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention • sthibau@toronto.ca 416-338-7402