Health News For Champlain
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Ottawa Public Health
Ottawa celebrates one year of expanded smoke-free spaces and quit-smoking services
Ottawa – Today marks the first anniversary of the City of Ottawa’s expanded smoke-free spaces. For one year 1,200 parks, 1,100 municipal properties, four beaches, the Byward and Parkdale Markets and all bar and restaurant patios have now been smoke-free. The Ottawa Police Services, Ottawa Public Library and Municipal Campground Authority followed suit by making their outdoor spaces smoke-free.
“Whether you’re at a City park, beach, or at a restaurant patio this summer, you will be able to enjoy yourself without the dangers of second-hand smoke,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The City of Ottawa is proud to be a leader in providing smoke-free spaces for our residents and visitors.”
The expansion of smoke-free spaces was designed to protect non-smokers and children from second-hand smoke, and to reduce smoking rates. Smoke-free outdoor spaces help prevent asthma attacks and decrease the risk of people developing cancer, respiratory illness and heart disease.
“We are pleased to see that, in addition to festivals held on City property, other major festivals such as Bluesfest are adopting a smoke-free approach this summer,” said Councillor Diane Holmes, Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health. “The elimination of second-hand smoke at large outdoor events will protect the health of employees, volunteers and attendees.”
“It is very encouraging to see such a high level of public support for the smoke-free outdoor spaces,” says Councillor Mark Taylor, Chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee. “Making these outdoor spaces smoke-free promotes healthier residents, a cleaner city and smoke-free kids.”
As part of Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) Let’s Clear The Air strategy, OPH has also increased quit-smoking services to the general public. Targeted programs are also being offered for municipal staff, hospitality workers, food bank users, the GBLT community, young adults and construction workers. With its valued partners, OPH offers various formats for helping residents quit smoking, including presentations, phone support, individual counselling and group programs.
“We are seeing that guests are happy with the smoke-free patio by-law,” said Mike Ziola, Chair of the Ottawa Chapter of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association. “Our industry is constantly evolving and this is a change we have embraced in response to what patrons want.”
If you need help quitting smoking, please visit ottawa.ca/quitsmoking, call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744 or email healthsante@ottawa.ca. For helpful tips and information, you can also follow OPH on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.
For more information regarding the expanded smoke-free regulations, or to report a smoking violation, please visit ottawa.ca/smokefree or call 3-1-1.
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