Smoking By-Law Development Update

Submitted by Yves Decoste, Tobacco Coordinator 

We see a tobacco-free Leeds, Grenville and Lanark in which all people are able to achieve their optimal level of health by eliminating the use of and exposure to tobacco products.

This was the vision approved in 2001 for the Tobacco Strategic Plan by the Board of Health. This was followed by a survey of area residents showing that just over 26% of our population smokes compared to 23% provincially. Both smokers and non-smokers are aware of the seriousness of smoking and second hand smoke exposure and the majority of residents (62%) support a 100% smoke-free bylaw. To this end, the Health Unit visited all 24 councils that they serve in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark asking municipalities to implement a 100% smokefree workplace and public places by-law. Some public consultations and meetings with chambers of commerce have been held.

Public support keeps growing as municipalities look at the health hazards caused by secondhand smoke.

...the Health Unit visited all 24 councils that they serve in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark asking municipalities to implement a 100% smokefree workplace and public places by-law