Edmonton considers expanding outdoor smoking ban

Health groups are urging Edmonton to phase out smoking in outdoor spaces such as parks, playgrounds, sports fields, festivals, and outdoor attractions. 

"A key element of driving down tobacco use is reducing the visibility of smoking in public areas — especially where children are permitted," said Les Hagen of Action on Smoking & Health. 

"As a society, we need to model healthy behaviours to young people if we want them to lead healthy lives."

The ban would also reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and address a major source of litter in city parks, playgrounds and other outdoor spaces — cigarette butts.       

On Monday, a city council committee considered a report on restricting outdoor smoking requested in March by Coun. Amarjeet Sohi.

"There's a certain amount of fear that somehow we are looking at banning smoking everywhere." said Sohi. "That's not my understanding.

"I'm more focused on areas that are accessible to kids — playgrounds, sportsfields, outdoor swimming pools, which are primarily used by the kids."

More than 50 cities and towns in Canada have banned smoking in numerous outdoor locations including St. Albert, Lethbridge and Red Deer, said Hagen. 

The City of Edmonton currently prohibits smoking on outdoor patios, at outdoor transit shelters and platforms, at Commonwealth and Clark stadiums, and within five metres of any doorway, window or building air intake.