Huron-Kinloss council

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Jason Weppler is urging all athletes and coaches to be tobacco-free.

To that end, the health promoter with the Grey Bruce Health Unit is calling on municipalities to implement a policy for tobacco-free sports and recreational events.

Speaking to Huron-Kinloss council at its general committee meeting June 7, he said there is an international movement working to reduce the harm in connecting tobacco products with sports events.

"We're encouraging coaches to not smoke at these events either," he said. "We want to prevent youth from starting to use tobacco products. And it's in everybody's best interest to protect the environment - it takes 15 years for a cigarette butt to biodegrade."

The health unit also wants to protect children from second-hand smoke. 

"There is no safe level of second-hand smoke," said Weppler. "If we can keep tobacco products out of the parks and rinks, all the better. We also need to create a tobacco-free culture in order to help those who are trying to quit smoking."

There have been several success stories in Ontario, he said, including Collingwood and Woodstock. Last year, Owen Sound implemented a tobacco-free policy for its sports and recreational events, and Saugeen Shores is doing likewise this year.

"It's a wonderful initiative," said councillor Lillian Abbott, "but how do you police this type of policy?"

"It's mostly voluntary," said Weppler. "It's self-enforcing. People understand the idea. It does fall under the bylaw enforcement officer to police, but a gentle reminder is all it takes, and people are respectful."

Councillor Don Murray asked if there are exemptions to the policy for such events as Music in the Fields, the major outdoor country music concert being put on by the Lucknow Kinsmen in the fall.

Or at mushball tournaments, added chief building official Matt Farrell.

"Most municipalities have policies in place to keep smoke away from the soccer field and the ball park," said Weppler. "In Saugeen Shores, it's nine metres away, the same as from a nursing home or a hospital."

He left some sample policies with council to review.

"Thanks for your presentation," said deputy mayor Wilfred Gamble. "We'll discuss it."

For more information about the tobacco-free initiative, check out the website at www.liveplaybetobaccofree.ca

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Sunday, June 13, 2010