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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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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 Sports Fields, Ferry Docks, Park Amenities or on Swimming Beaches
5Photo: Stanley Yeo, 2013 flickr.com
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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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
[email protected] 416-338-8100
Suzanne ThibaultManager, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention
[email protected] 416-338-7402
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