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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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…

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No Smoking within 9m of Building Entrances and Exits

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No Smoking within 9m of Sports Fields, Ferry Docks, Park Amenities or on Swimming Beaches

5Photo: Stanley Yeo, 2013 flickr.com

No Smoking in Public Squares

Photo: Emily flickr.com

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Recommendation: Province change SFOA to ban smoking

Bar and Restaurant Patios Hospital Grounds

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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

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Examples of co-messaging and collaboration (e.g. cigarette butt litter)

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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

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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

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For more information

Rich WhateHealth Policy Specialist, Healthy Public Policy

rwhate@toronto.ca 416-338-8100

Suzanne ThibaultManager, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention

sthibau@toronto.ca 416-338-7402

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