In Victoria, we are enlightened when it comes to protecting people from secondhand smoke. We were at the forefront in 2007 with the establishment of smoke-free patios. Then we took our foot off the gas.
Victoria now lags behind other B.C. cities when it comes to outdoor protection from cigarette smoke.
In April 2010, Vancouver decided to ban smoking from its beaches and parks. This landmark decision resulted in an 82 per cent reduction in the smoking rate observed in parks. There are already 23 B.C. municipalities with park bans and 26 with playground bans.
Only about 16 per cent of British Columbians smoke. Those of us who don’t smoke recognize the diseases caused by secondhand exposure: stroke, sudden infant death syndrome, coronary heart disease, lung cancer, low birth weight, and respiratory illness.
Smoke-free spaces reduce hospital admissions and improve our health. Smoke-free spaces encourage people to quit smoking or not smoke at all by creating healthy social norms. Smoke-free policies encourage enjoyment of our parks and thereby promote physical activity.
With its pending clean air bylaw, the Capital Regional District has the opportunity to protect children and adults at parks, playgrounds, beaches, squares and bus stops. The evidence of harm is clear, and other cities and towns are going smoke-free — so why aren’t we?
Danielle Worster
Victoria
