Community Recreational Facilities

Smoking and vaping is not permitted on the outdoor grounds of community recreational facilities or in public spaces within 20 metres of the perimeter of the grounds.

A community recreational facility is an enclosed public place or an enclosed workplace where:

  • the place is owned or operated by a charity, non-profit or government
  • the place is primarily used for the purposes of providing athletic or recreational programs or services to the local community, including children and youth, whether or not a fee is paid for the use. For example:
    • Sports programs
    • Children’s play programs
    • Fitness programs
  • the public is normally allowed access
  • the place is not primarily a private dwelling

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 are prohibited in the smoke-free and vape-free areas
  • post “No Smoking”, and “No Vaping” signs, or a dual “No Smoking and No Vaping” sign at entrances, exits and washrooms of 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 smoke-free and vape-free areas
  • ensure that no one smokes or vapes in the smoke-free and vape-free areas
  • ensure that someone who refuses to comply with Ontario’s smoking and vaping laws does not remain in the smoke-free and vape-free areas

Any individual who violates the prohibition on smoking or vaping in smoke-free and vape-free areas 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 for 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 for four or more offences

Other responsibilities

  • For individuals:
    • $1,000 for a first offence
    • $5,000 for two or more offences
  • For corporations:
    • $100,000 for a first offence
    • $300,000 for two or more offences

Print the Community Recreational Facilities Fact Sheet.