Metro to enforce new smoking ban

While education will remain the focal point in January, this time next month, you could be $75 lighter in the wallet if you're caught smoking outside of designated areas in Metro Vancouver parks. The regional government enacted its non-smoking policy in all 33 regional parks and greenways on Jan. 1, though enforcement won't begin until February. "We're going to encourage voluntary compliance with the bylaw through education and awareness," said Metro Vancouver spokesperson Glenn Bohn. "However, sometimes enforcement is necessary."

The move will have a direct impact on three regional parks in the Tri-Cities: Belcarra, Colony Farm and Minnekhada. The Metro board adopted the policy last September and it will apply to areas including playgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, trails and greenways. Smokers will still be able to light up in designated smoking areas that will generally be found in entry parking lots. It's hoped that the ban will help curb exposure to second-hand smoke, lessen litter and improve fire safety.

"The goal is to reduce the health hazards of second-hand smoke. More and more public spaces are being designated as no-smoking areas," Bohn said. "And for parks in particular, second-hand smoke is a concern in areas like playgrounds, picnic areas, shelters and other facilities like that." Between now and the onset of February, Metro staffers will be posting signs in local parks and bringing park users up to speed on the new regulations.