Children’s Playgrounds

Smoking and vaping is not permitted on children’s playgrounds or in public spaces within 20 metres of the perimeter of a playground.

A children’s playground is:

  • An area open to the public at no cost or for a fee, primarily used for children’s recreation and equipped with children’s play equipment, such as:
    • Slides
    • Swings
    • Climbing apparatuses
    • Splash pads
    • Wading pools
    • Sandboxes

These restrictions include playgrounds at hotels, motels and inns. It does not apply to playgrounds intended for residents of apartments, condominiums or campgrounds.

Additional restrictions on smoking and vaping may exist in municipal or condominium bylaws, lease agreements and the policies of employers and property owners.

It is the responsibility of the owner, operator or the person in charge of the place to ensure that smoking and vaping laws are followed.

They are required to:

  • give notice to the public that smoking and vaping is prohibited in the place
  • post “No Smoking” and “No Vaping” signs, or a dual “No Smoking and No Vaping” sign at entrances and exits to the smoke- and vape-free area, in appropriate locations and in sufficient numbers, to ensure the public is aware that smoking and vaping is not allowed
  • ensure that no ashtrays or similar items remain in the place
  • ensure that no one smokes or vapes in the place
  • ensure that someone who refuses to comply with Ontario’s smoking and vaping laws do not remain in the place

An individual who violates the prohibition on smoking or vaping on and around children’s playgrounds may be charged and if convicted, may face a maximum fine of $1,000 (for a first offence) or $5,000 (for any further offence).

An owner that fails to fulfill their responsibilities under the law may be charged and if convicted, may face a maximum fine:

Signage responsibilities

For individuals:

  • $2,000 for a first offence
  • $5,000 for a second offence
  • $10,000 for a third offence
  • $50,000 four or more offences

For corporations:

  • $5,000 for a first offence
  • $10,000 for a second offence
  • $25,000 for a third offence
  • $75,000 four or more offences

Other responsibilities

For individuals:

  • $1,000 for a first offence
  • $5,000 two or more offences

For corporations:

  • $100,000 for a first offence
  • $300,000 two or more offences

Print the Children’s Playgrounds Fact Sheet.