Public health officials are reminding local residents about the need to post No Smoking/No Vaping signs in enclosed workplaces and enclosed public spaces.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is offering the signs free-of-charge, but also noting it will soon enforce the rules that require the signs to be posted in certain premises. Under the updated Smoke-Free Ontario Act, the signs must be posted at entrances, exits, washrooms and other appropriate locations to ensure people are aware that smoking and vaping is not allowed.
In particular, the Health Unit is promoting the need for the No Smoking/No Vaping signs to be put up in locations that provide lodging and/or specialized care. These include: long-term care homes, residential care facilities, child-care centres, hospices and palliative care centres, and hotels/motels.
“The law clearly states that smoking tobacco and vaping anything are not allowed in any enclosed workplace and public place in Ontario,” says Jennifer Valcamp, a Health Promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit. “The signs are a clear reminder of this restriction, so it’s important they be posted for all to see.”
The signs are available to anyone in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes through Health Unit offices in Port Hope, Lindsay and Haliburton Village. They can also be obtained by calling the Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1518 or ext. 2228.
“We encourage people to order or pick up a supply of signs as soon as possible,” Valcamp says. “While we are currently doing education about the new rules, we will soon be moving forward with warnings and enforcement.”
In Ontario, the new smoking and vaping restrictions came into effect in October 2018 when the provincial government updated the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Full details about the smoking and vaping restrictions are posted on the Ontario government website (www.ontario.ca/page/where-you-cant-smoke-or-vape-ontario).
If people smoke or vape where they are not allowed, they may be charged with an offence and subject to a fine if convicted. The fine can be $305 for a first offence, and $5,000 for any further offences. If local workplaces find that the smoking and vaping rules are not being followed, they are encouraged to report these incidents by contacting the Health Unit and speaking to a Tobacco Control Officer.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
