SMOKERS can no longer light up in Metro Vancouver's parks.
As of Jan. 1, the Capilano River and Lynn Headwaters parks are both no smoking zones. Although enforcement won't start until February, expect to see Metro staff in both North Shore greenspaces and the regional authority's other 31 parks over the coming weeks reminding visitors of the new policy. Smoking will only be permitted in signed areas, mostly in and around parking lots.
"The objectives of the policy are to protect park users from second-hand smoke and to control litter associated with smoking," said Metro spokesman Glenn Bohn, in a release. "Litter associated with smoking has a major impact. Cigarette butts are often eaten by birds and other wildlife, sometimes with fatal effects."
Once enforcement has begun, people smoking outside of designated areas will face a $75 fine. More information is available at www.metrovancouver.com.
