Note: the following has been adapted from the Government of Ontario's Smoke-Free Ontario Act (2017) fact sheet: How the Act Affects: Playgrounds. Ce document est disponible en Français. Pour obtenir plus d'information, veuillez communiquez avec un agent avec le bureau de santé publique aux numéro suivant (807) 625-5900.
The Basics
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits the smoking of tobacco, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to vape any substance, and the smoking of cannabis (medical or recreational) in enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places, as well as other designated places in Ontario, to protect workers and the public from second-hand smoke and vapour.
Smoking refers to the smoking or holding of lighted tobacco or cannabis (medical or recreational).
Vaping refers to inhaling or exhaling vapour from an electronic cigarette or holding an activated electronic cigarette, whether or not the vapour contains nicotine.
Children’s Playgrounds
Smoking and vaping is not permitted on children’s playgrounds or in public spaces within 20 metres of the perimeter of a playground.
A children’s playground is:
- An area open to the public at no cost or for a fee, primarily used for children’s recreation and equipped with children’s play equipment, such as:
- Slides;
- Swings;
- Climbing apparatuses;
- Splash pads;
- Wading pools; and
- Sandboxes.
These restrictions include playgrounds at hotels, motels and inns. It does not apply to playgrounds intended for residents of apartments, condominiums or campgrounds.
Note: Additional restrictions on smoking and vaping may exist in municipal or condominium bylaws; lease agreements, and the policies of employers and property owners.
Owner Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the owner, operator or the person in charge of the place to ensure that smoking and vaping laws are followed.
They are required to:
- Give notice to the public that smoking and vaping is prohibited in the place.
- Post “No Smoking” and “No Vaping” signs, or a dual “No Smoking and No Vaping” sign at entrances and exits to the smoke- and vape-free area, inappropriate locations and in sufficient numbers, to ensure the public is aware that smoking and vaping is not allowed.
- Ensure that no ashtrays or similar items remain in the place.
- Ensure that no one smokes or vapes in the place.
- Ensure that someone who refuses to comply with Ontario’s smoking and vaping laws do not remain in the place.
Enforcement
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit will carry out inspections and respond to complaints regarding smoking and vaping on and around children’s playgrounds.
Penalties
An individual who violates the prohibition on smoking or vaping on and around children’s playgrounds may be charged and if convicted, may face a maximum fine of $1,000 (for a first offence) or $5,000 (for any further offence).
An owner that fails to fulfill their responsibilities under the law may be charged and if convicted, may face a maximum fine:
Signage responsibilities
- For individuals: $2,000 (for a first offence); $5000 (for a second offence); $10,000 (for a third offence); $50,000 (four or more offences).
- For corporations: $5,000 (for a first offence); $10,000 (for a second offence);$25,000 (for a third offence); $75,000 (four or more offences).
Other responsibilities
- For individuals: $1,000 (for a first offence); $5,000 (two or more offences).
- For corporations: $100,000 (for a first offence); $300,000 (two or more offences).
Further Information
This fact sheet is intended as a quick reference only and should not be considered to be legal advice. For more information, please contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and ask to speak with a tobacco enforcement officer: (807) 625-5900. You may also obtain information by calling toll-free:
- INFOline 1-866-532-3161
- TTY 1-800-387-5559
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
For specific information on smoking and vaping laws applicable to playgrounds, contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and ask to speak with a tobacco enforcement officer: (807) 625-5900.
For more information on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website: ontario.ca/smokefree