In 2015, the province introduced new legislation which banned smoking within 20 meters of playgrounds and sport fields, as well as on bar and restaurant patios.
Provincial actions like these are often the result of progressive changes at the municipal level and in 2015 Windsor and Essex County set a high bar in this regard. The Town of Lakeshore and Municipality of Leamington updated their municipal bylaws and the Towns of Kingsville and LaSalle passed smoke-free outdoor space bylaws, which are among the most comprehensive smoke-free by-laws in the province.
By including a combination of a wide range of products (e.g., e-cigarettes and hookahs), as well as spaces (e.g., parks, beaches, boat ramps, and bus shelters), these by-laws have provided a high level of protection from exposure to second-hand smoke.