There is sufficient medical evidence outlining the impact of second hand smoke on children’s health. Other Ontario municipalities such as the City of Barrie have successfully implemented smoking bans at city parks, playgrounds, sports fields, spectator areas and near recreation centres. It is time for the City of Burlington to take a stand on this issue. We would ask that the City of Burlington take a pro-active approach to the issue of smoking and second hand smoke exposure by imposing an outright ban on smoking at all city-owned property - including parks. If such a ban is not feasible than we believe that the City of Burlington should at the very least implement a by-law to prevent smokers from lighting up at city-owned facilities when activities involving children are taking place.

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