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It's official: butt out at playgrounds and parks by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 11 | Thursday, April 18, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com If people in Oakville want to smoke, they had best not do it within nine metres of local playgrounds. The Town of Oakville announced Wednesday that following the passage of a new bylaw, residents can expect to see additional `No Smoking' signage added in Town parks and outdoor recreation areas over the coming weeks as part of Oakville's public awareness campaign to remind smokers to `butt out' where kids play. The updated bylaw was developed in response to a council approved motion brought forward in July 2012 to ban smoking within nine metres of all Town-owned playgrounds, splash pads, tennis courts, basketball courts, skateboard parks and playing fields. "Our bylaw further strengthens no-smoking legislation by including outdoor recreational areas. Smoke-free outdoor spaces create safer and healthier communities," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "It's our collective responsibility to protect our kids from being exposed to secondhand smoke." According to the Canadian Lung Association, children exposed to second-hand smoke are at higher risk of breathing issues and other health-related problems. Town staff said banning smoking in areas where kids play significantly reduces their risk of exposure to second-hand smoke. "Oakville is proud to join more than 70 other Ontario municipalities that have passed local bylaws to prohibit or restrict smoking in and around public areas," said Chris Mark, the Town's director of Parks and Open Space. "Change starts at the grassroots level. Residents need to help enforce our no smoking bylaws." The maximum fine for not complying with the Town's new bylaw is $5,000. For information, visit www.oakville.ca. For support on how to quit smoking, contact the Halton Region Health Department's Stop Smoking Clinic at 905-825-6000, ext. 7887 or visit www.halton.ca. Thank You FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY: LOCATION Diane Rabenda Chair of the Board Michael W. Pautler Director of Education CHAN E YOUR LIFE Enjoy the freedom, flexibility and fun of owning your own business with an exclusive franchise territory. to all of our dedicated volunteers who share their time and talents to enrich all of our school communities! Amy Collard Chair of the Board David Euale Director of Education CALL TODAY! 1(888) 888 8888 www.cruisefranchise.com $ WIN a gift card to your favourite Dorval Crossing store For your chance, enter at dorvalcrossing.com 250 Do some good this Spring *Electronics accepted: computer monitors, keyboards, laptops, digital cameras, cell phones, fax machines, televisions & audio equipment. Sponsored by: Recycle your unwanted electronics ­ April 20th, 11 am to 2 pm only.* Dorval Crossing, WEST ­ Parking lot near Boston Pizza. Look for the Electronics Drop-off area. The first 100 customers to drop off their unwanted electronics will receive a voucher for $10 off a large pizza from Boston Pizza (one voucher per family). Plus, receive a FREE Eco-friendly Tote Bag, while quantities last. Over 60 Shops & Services located at the QEW & Dorval Drive Visit dor valcrossing.com for more information PROUDLY MANAGED BY