Item - 2013.HL24.3

In October 2012, Toronto Public Health (TPH) reported to the Board of Health (BOH) on opportunities to strengthen protection from second-hand smoke in outdoor public places. The Board of Health requested the Medical Officer of Health to consult with key stakeholders on additional measures to reduce second-hand smoke exposure in outdoor public places, and to report back in 2013. Toronto Public Health has consulted with bar and restaurant owners, property managers, the hospital sector, sports groups, health and community-based organizations, universities, colleges and students, members of the public and relevant City divisions, on regulatory options to improve protection from second-hand smoke and to decrease the visibility of smoking in public places.

Based on the consultation findings, review of actions in other jurisdictions, health evidence on outdoor tobacco smoke exposure, the importance of smoke-free role models for children and youth, and public opinion data, this report recommends the Board of Health support making the following outdoor spaces smoke-free: public building entrances and exits, sports fields, specific amenities in parks, swimming beaches, public squares, bar and restaurant patios and hospital grounds. This report identifies ways to make these areas smoke-free either now or in the near future.

Specifically, this report proposes changes to the Municipal Code, Chapter 709 Smoking, to prohibit smoking within nine metres of entrances and exits to public buildings. Toronto Public Health is also recommending that the outdated provisions in the Municipal Code Chapter 709, Smoking be repealed.

A joint report with the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation recommending changes to the Municipal Code, Chapter 608, Parks, to make sports fields and specific park amenities smoke-free will be considered by the Parks and Environment committee on October 23, 2013.

This report also recommends that the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) amend the Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA) to extend the current prohibition on smoking within nine metres of hospital entrances and exits to prohibit smoking on all hospital grounds in Toronto.

Opportunities for strengthening protection from second-hand smoke outdoors, including on bar and restaurant patios, are described in the report and will be the subject of future recommendations.

This report has been prepared in consultation with the City Solicitor, City Manager's Office, Executive Director of Municipal Licensing and Standards Division and General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division.