Coquitlam mulls raising fine for smoking in parks to $500

The City of Coquitlam is considering raising the fine for smoking in parks to $500.

The city’s smoking bylaw states that no one is allowed to smoke in any of the city’s parks at any time, with the current fine sitting at $75.

However, with the dry summer months and high fire risk, city officials think a bigger fine might be needed. Despite public awareness on the topic, cigarette butts remain one of the leading causes of fires in parks, forests and dry grass.

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If the final reading of the bylaw amendment is approved on July 27, people found violating the Smoking Control Bylaw would be subject to a $500 fine – $400 payment within 14 days.

Residents who see someone smoking in the park can call Bylaws at 604-927-7387 or 604-927-3085, or email them at bylaw_enforcement@coquitlam.ca.

To report a fire, call 9-1-1.

For more on Coquitlam’s Smoking Control Bylaw, visit www.coquitlam.ca/bylaws.