Amendments to smoking bylaw for City of New Westminster
New Westminster - On January 1, 2015, the City of New Westminster (the City) will implement changes to the Smoking Control Bylaw, which has been amended to reduce the impact of exposure to second-hand smoke in public spaces.
The bylaw changes will include prohibiting smoking:
- within 7.5 meters of doors, windows and air intakes for public and workplace buildings;
- on all restaurant and pub patios; and
- within 15 meters of outdoor sports facilities, playgrounds, off leash dog parks and picnic areas within City parks
“We are committed to providing spaces where our residents can enjoy their everyday activities without worrying about the health impacts associated with second-hand smoke,” said New Westminster Mayor Wayne Wright. “Creating and upholding healthy, livable communities throughout our city is important and these changes will provide a greater opportunity for that.”
The City, together with Fraser Health and School District No. 40 are working under the umbrella of the New Westminster Healthier Community Partnership (HCP) Committee to inform affected premises of the upcoming bylaw changes and compliancy measures. The Committee will also provide easily accessible information about the public health rationale of smoking regulations, as well as various smoking cessation supports for those who are ready to quit.
“Smoking restrictions in public spaces can serve as motivation for smokers to quit," said Dr. Lisa Mu, Fraser Health Medical Health Officer. “Given what we know about the long-term health implications of second-hand smoke exposure, creating more smoke-free environments in New Westminster will have an overall positive impact in the community.”
The mandate of the HCP Committee is to positively impact the health of the citizens of New Westminster by identifying actions and strategies that support a healthier community. To further encourage smoking cessation, the HCP Committee is also launching the “Commit to Quit” campaign today, as a lead-up to the new public smoking bylaws coming into effect in January. This 100-day countdown will encourage people to commit to quit smoking in the new year and provide information on resources that will help them achieve this goal.
More information on the upcoming regulation amendment, the Healthier Community Partnership Committee and information on smoking cessation support can be found online at www.newwestcity.ca.
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact:
Bylaw inquiries:
City of New Westminster
Manager, Licensing and Integrated Services
(604) 527-4645
Smoking cessation and healthy community inquiries:
Fraser Health
(604) 450-7881