New ban on smoking in Westmount’s municipal parks, green spaces and public areas

By-law modification comes into force September 8

WESTMOUNT, September 7, 2018

Following the adoption of municipal By-Law 1527 on September 4, a prohibition on smoking in Westmount’s public parks and green spaces will come into effect beginning Saturday, September 8, 2018.

The by-law modification defines smoking as “to burn tobacco or herbs, or to generate a vapour in the case of electronic cigarettes, by inhaling the smoke of the vapour produced through the mouth or nostrils.”

Mayor Christina M. Smith mentioned that “with the approaching legalisation of marijuana use, we want to make sure Westmount residents enjoy the best possible use of their local green spaces through a ban on the smoking of any substance in those areas.”

Since 2015, the Government of Quebec has prohibited smoking in a number of public outdoor spaces, particularly sports fields and playgrounds. This newest rule in Westmount, a modification to the municipal by-law on parks, is intended to further protect the public from the effects of second-hand smoke in shared spaces. By-law infractions may result in fines varying between $50 and $1,000 for a first conviction.

New signage will be installed shortly in Westmount’s parks and Public Security officers will carry out a public education campaign on the new rules for the next month.

Westmount will continue to work with the SPVM and our Public Security officials to ensure this by-law modification is enforced.

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Source
Anne Renaud
Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office
arenaud@westmount.org
514 989-5240