Beginning September 1, 2018, a new by-law prohibiting smoking anywhere on County-owned property will come into effect.
“This by-law will help protect our staff and visitors from secondhand smoke” says Meighan Wark, Huron County CAO. “We know from working with the Health Unit that smoke-free policies are an important way to help create healthier and cleaner environments.”
The by-law prohibits smoking or holding of lighted tobacco, lighted cannabis; lighted, heated, or otherwise activated smoking equipment; or the smoking or holding of any other lighted or heated non-tobacco substance on any County-owned property.
Nearly 20 County-owned properties are impacted by this by-law, including properties such as the museum, social services, health unit, and the areas immediately surrounding the Goderich Courthouse. Signage will be posted at each County-owned property that will now be smoke-free under the new by-law.
County staff have been preparing to implement the by-law since it was confirmed in December 2017.
“There are many benefits to smoke-free spaces,” says Angela Willert, Senior Public Health Promoter with the Huron County Health Unit. “By-laws such as this one help reduce health risks of secondhand smoke, denormalize tobacco use, and create a supportive environment for those looking to quit.”
For more information, visit huroncounty.ca/by-laws. For questions on enforcement, please call the Huron County Health Unit at 519-482-3416.