Smokers are no longer able to light up in Metro Vancouver parks as of January 1, 2012.
The new policy was approved back in September, but as of New Year’s Day, there’s a general ban on all 33 regional parks and greenways.
However, many regional parks now have designed smoking areas in entry parking lots, where there is little risk of second-hand smoke exposure, where the litter can be contained and where’s there’s no risk of fire caused by smoking.
Metro Vancouver points out litter left behind by smokers has a major impact on birds and other wildlife, who often eat the refuse.
Enforcement of the bylaw doesn’t officially begin until February, but for the month of January, parks staff will be providing smokers with information and asking them to comply.
Smokers who violate the no smoking policy are subject to a $75 fine.
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