by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
COBBDEN — Steve Hodson, Environmental Services manager for Whitewater Region will be erecting 20 new no smoking signs at playgrounds and sports fields.
As of January 1, 2015, provincial legislation allows for no smoking within 20 metres (66 feet) of children’s playgrounds or publicly owned sports fields.
This new legislation is actually an amendment to the current legislation, said Dave Tantalo, co-ordinator of Environmental Health at the Renfrew County District Health Unit.
The amendment is there to make a “concerted effort that children are not around second hand smoke,” he said.
The no smoking limit is 20 metres from the edge of the playground / sports fields, he said.
While the enforcement for sports fields must be only those that are owned by the municipality or province, playgrounds are those that are open to the general public to enter, he explained.
As an example, he noted the Cobden ball field must be signed because it is owned by the municipality, while the Beachburg ball field doesn’t have to be signed because it is privately owned.
“The health unit cannot enforce on private lands,” he said.
Mr. Tantalo said the health united advised all municipalities of the changes and asked that it be notified as to how many signs were required.
Yesterday (Wednesday, July 15) the 12 playground and eight sports fields signs were delivered to the township to be erected as soon as possible.
As to where the signs will be posted, Mr. Tantalo said that is up to each municipality to decide. The signs should be placed in such a location that those attending the sporting event or playground will see them, he said. That doesn’t mean the signs have to be at the edge of the 20 metres or at the edge of the perimeter, he added.
“We want the signs placed where people will see them,” Mr. Tantalo said. “We want to make sure they are visible.
“We hope people will abide by the signage rules. We hope the signs speak for themselves,” he added.
If the health unit inspector goes to an area that should be signed and doesn’t see any signs, there will be discussion between the inspector and the chief administrative officer of the township, he said.
“If we see they’re making the effort to put in the signs, we’ll work with them to make sure the signs are in a good location,” Mr. Tantalo said.
The health unit inspectors will only enforce the legislation by complaints. If an employee of the township receives a complaint, they are to contact their CAO who will then contact the health unit, he said.
“The health unit will enforce this legislation,” he said. “If there are issues, they will be brought to us and the unit will act on behalf of the public or municipality,” Mr. Tantalo said.
There have been no complaints lodged since the legislation came into effect Jan. 1.
