Smokers will have to butt out in Lake Country parks and sports fields.
As of Jan. 5, a prohibition on smoking in public places will come into force.
“Smoking exposure is known to be a health hazard,” said Holly Flinkman, human resources and safety manager.
“Second-hand smoke is a class A carcinogen. There is no safe level of exposure, even in the outdoor settings.”
According to the research compiled by Flinkman, there are more than 40 municipalities in BC with smoking restrictions that go beyond provincial regulations.
"The provincial regulation sets a six-metre area around any doorway, air intake or open window to any public or work place in which no one can use tobacco or vapour products," she said.
"Lake Country’s smoking regulation bylaw prohibits smoking in any public space, at or within 7.5 metres of any park, transit stop, common area, outdoor customer service area, or within 7.5 metres measured on the ground from any point of opening into any building including any doorway, opening window or air intake."
The only exception is the ceremonial use of tobacco in a traditional aboriginal ceremony.