The Manitoba government is making changes to where smokers can light up in provincial parks.
Starting in the summer of 2014, public beaches and playgrounds will be smoke free.
“Smoking litter is a nuisance to park users and the environment. Like many other parents, I want to stop cigarette butts from ending up in our waterways, along our beaches and in the playgrounds where we take our kids," said Gord MacKintosh, Manitoba’s water stewardship and conservation minister.
According to the province, Manitoba is the first jurisdiction in Canada to make public beaches and playgrounds smoke free in all of its park. Some American parks and beaches have been smoke free for years.
Park officials will issue warnings the first year. After that, violators could be fined $299.
