OTTAWA WILL BECOME a less friendly place for smokers if Ottawa’s City Council passes new bylaws this month. The regulations would ban smoking on all municipal properties, including parks, sports fields, and beaches, as well as bar and restaurant patios. The bylaws are designed to address the effects of second-hand smoke and to reduce the number of smokers in the city.
“Experts agree any level of second-hand smoke is unhealthy,” said Cumberland ward councillor Stephen Blais, who put forward the proposal. “Second-hand smoke contains over 4,000 toxic chemicals, at least 50 of which are carcinogenic.”
The regulations were proposed following in-depth research by Ottawa Public Health, which examined public opinion on smoke-free spaces through consultations and surveys. The results showed the majority of Ottawa residents were in favour of the bans.
While the polls showed almost 75 per cent of those surveyed supported forbidding smoking on post-secondary grounds, the new laws would not affect campuses.
“Anything we can do to protect people who choose not to smoke, to be healthy … it’s incumbent upon us to do,” said Blais. “No one has the right to harm you, and if you choose to smoke, that’s your choice—but it shouldn’t be affecting the people around you.”
The recommendations from the Board of Health come from their report, Let’s Clear the Air: A Renewed Strategy for a Smoke-free Ottawa. The document suggests the city expand programs for those trying to quit smoking, create a “public awareness and community engagement strategy” centred around the dangers of tobacco, and work to prevent smoking among youth.
The report also advises the city advocate for changes to tobacco legislation at the provincial and federal levels so water pipes, water pipe products, and their use become more closely regulated under the law.
A potential issue with preventing smoking on city property is that it will increase cigarette litter in other locations, such as parking lots and sidewalks.
“We’ve been discussing with the local business community,” said Blais, “We’re making sure those issues are dealt with.”
The report also addresses this issue, proposing that the Board of Health work in cooperation with other city departments, including Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, to address any problems that result from the bylaws.
When it comes to students trying to quit smoking, the University of Ottawa’s Health Services is already well equipped to help out.
“All students and staff can access smoking cessation programs,” said Kristine Hoube, staff member of Health Services at the U of O. “We provide medication, free nicotine replacement, and counselling sessions.”
Many of these programs are run by, or in cooperation with, students, while government funding means the majority of the services provided are free.
If passed, the new smoking bylaws will not take effect until July 2, following a public awareness campaign and a warning phase starting April 2.
The report is set to go to before the Board of Health, Community Services, and City Council on Feb. 6, 15, and 22 respectively. The full text is available in the Health and Safety section of the City’s website, Ottawa.ca.
—Julia Riddle
