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Metro Vancouver Regional Parks No Smoking Bylaw

Metro Vancouver Regional Parks No Smoking Policy 

What is Metro Vancouver’s policy prohibiting smoking in regional parks?

Effective January 1, 2012, smoking is prohibited in Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, except for designated areas. This prohibition applies in all regional parks and greenways managed by Metro Vancouver, including regional parks in the City of Abbotsford.

BACKGROUND

Why is the smoking prohibition in place?

Metro Vancouver is committed to a healthy urban environment as well as active living and wellness. Moving towards smoke-free parks helps:

  1. protect park users from the effects of second-hand smoke;
  2. reduce the amount of litter associated with smoking (cigarette butts and filters are the most common forms of litter found on beaches);
  3. protect birds and other wildlife from cigarette butts (which, when ingested, can have fatal effects), and reduce the risk of fire.

Metro Vancouver’s initiative to control smoking in regional parks has the full support of agencies such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Fraser Health Authority and municipal fire departments.

Who does the smoking prohibition affect?

Anyone who enters or uses a regional park or greenway managed by Metro Vancouver.

When does the smoking prohibition take effect?

January 1, 2012.

How is the smoking prohibition being communicated to park visitors?

In addition to this webpage and media releases, there are notices at park kiosks, and at other key locations in each regional park.

Groups who book programs, services or facilities (e.g. picnic shelters) in the park are notified at the time of booking.

APPLICATION

What areas does the regulation apply to? 

All areas except those signed as a designated smoking area.

The provincial Tobacco Control Act and Regulations prohibit smoking:

  • in a building, structure or vehicle if it is a place the public is normally invited to;
  • smoking in a vehicle where children under the age of 16 years are present;,
  • in a workplace, and
  • within three (3) metres of a doorway, window or air intake.


FAQs
How will people know that there is no smoking in parks?
Notices advising of the smoking prohibition will be posted at key locations. Detailed information on the prohibition is also posted on the website.
 
Services and business located in regional parks will be provided with display materials describing the smoking regulations.
Can I smoke at a picnic table in the park?
No, however, there may be designated smoking areas in the vicinity of a picnic area.
Can I smoke in my campsite?
Yes, smoking is permitted within the confines of each regional park campsite for registered guests. 
Are campfires prohibited also?
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks permits fires only in designated areas including campgrounds, group camps, some picnic shelters and designated day-use areas and only one beach -- all subject to the approval of local fire departments. Campfires must be contained within fire pits or fire rings that are provided. Fires may be prohobited when the fire hazard is high Seasonal prohibitions on fires are dictated by or when regional air quality advisories are in effect. Metro Vancouver is not considering a permanent ban on campfires.
Are parking lots included in the smoking prohibition?
Yes, most parking areas that are within a park boundary are covered by the smoke-free policy. Some parking lots will have designated smoking areas nearby.
Can I smoke in my own car?
Yes, so long as you are not in a parking area or roadway within a park boundary, and do not have any children aged 16 years or younger in the vehicle.
Can I smoke in my boat or canoe?
Yes, smoking is permitted in  vessels on the water. 
Can I smoke in the water?
No, park boundaries include the foreshore area which includes the shallow areas along the shore.
Does the smoking prohibition apply only to cigarettes?
This is a tobacco smoking policy. "Smoke" or "smoking" is defined as inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, hookah pipe, or other lighted smoking equipment that burns tobacco.
What are the rules at park caretaker residences?
Caretaker residences are excluded from the smoking prohibition as they are considered private property and subject to tenancy agreements.
What about areas located outside regional park boundaries or along greenways?
Those areas are subject to local bylaws and regulations that prohibit or regulate smoking. You'll need to consult the appropriate jursisdiction for more information .
Who do I contact if I have additional questions about the smoking prohibition?
Please send questions or comments to webmaster@metrovancouver.org
ENFORCEMENT
How will this bylaw be enforced?
Metro Vancouver’s approach will be to encourage voluntary compliance education and awareness. However, enforcement may be necessary in some situations, and Metro Vancouver staff have the power to issue tickets to offenders. The fine for smoking in a regional park can be up to $75 per infraction.
What should I do if I see someone smoking in a park?
You can politely inform the person that smoking is prohibited in regional parks, except for designated areas. If you're uncomfortable approaching a smoker in the park, you can also report the incident to park staff.

Resources

Questions or comments can be sent to webmaster@metrovancouver.org

Additional information about smoking, its effect on people's health and the environment and assistance with quitting can be found at these websites:

Fast Facts