Eleven people attending The Sheepdogs concert at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park on Wednesday night (July 24) have been charged for violating the City of Peterborough’s no-smoking bylaw.
These are the first charges under the bylaw, which prohibits smoking, vaping, and cannabis use in all municipally owned parks.
As part of routine inspections, tobacco enforcement officers from Peterborough Public Health were at Del Crary Park during the Musicfest concert and observed people smoking, vaping, and using cannabis.
One charge was issued for cannabis use, one for vaping, and nine for smoking.
The fine under the no-smoking bylaw for smoking or vaping in a city park is $305. The bylaw covers 362 hectares of parkland including over 100 city parks, playgrounds, beaches, splash pads and sports fields.
“The city has utilized an educational approach so far this year, having spent the first six weeks of the summer informing park users about the bylaw and the health consequences of smoking outdoors,” says Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health programs at Peterborough Public Health.
“But some aren’t getting the message, or observing the signage in the parks. We are confident that further promotion of healthy living and compliance with the smoking bylaw will result in fewer charges being laid.”
Anyone who sees people smoking, vaping, or using cannabis within park boundaries may report a violation by calling tobacco enforcement officers at 705-743-1000 or reporting the offence online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/sfoa.
