equipment in City of Toronto parks.
“This new bylaw has created safer places for children to play and participate
in physical activity,” said Councillor Fletcher. “We are committed to
protecting our most precious resource, our children, while ensuring that they
have opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.”
Under an amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 608, Parks, smoking or the
holding of lighted tobacco is prohibited in zoos and farms operated by Toronto
Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PFR), and within a nine-metre (29.5 foot)
radius of playground safety surfaces or any playground equipment in City of
Toronto parks, including wading pools and splash pads. New signs indicating
the new bylaw are displayed in relevant areas throughout the city.
Second-hand smoke is a Class A carcinogen linked to cancer, increased risk of
heart disease and respiratory illness. Outdoor concentrations of second-hand
smoke have been found to rival those of indoor second-hand smoke during
periods of active smoking, depending on the direction of the wind and the
distance from the smoker. Children also breathe faster than adults, especially
when active, resulting in the potential for greater intake of second-hand
smoke toxins.
More information is available at
http://www.toronto.ca/health/smokefree/protection/smokefreeplayareas.htm.
