Public health laid 41 smoking charges

Among the 41 people charged with smoking offences in 2008 was a person caught lighting up in a washroom at Headwaters Health Care Centre, says Shawn Zentner of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

Most of the charges were laid against people smoking on school properties — not inside, but on the property — which isn’t allowed under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. A conviction results in a $305 fine.

Other charges, Zentner says, were laid against businesses selling tobacco to customers under the age of 19. Among them, he notes, were locations in Orangeville, Shelburne, Hillsburgh and Grand Valley.

 Don’t call police for road conditions information

Police remind motorists not to call 911 for road condition information. According to Dufferin OPP, the communications centres are often inundated with such questions during poor driving conditions.

“We can’t say how many calls we get because they’re not logged,” says Const. Al Buck, media relations officer. However, he notes the Orillia communications centre receives between 1,200 and 2,400 legitimate calls for service on a busy day.

“Any calls for non-police matters could be disruptive,” he adds.

The Orillia centre handles OPP calls from around the Greater Toronto Area north to cottage country and east to Trenton.

Dufferin County road condition and closure details can be obtained by calling 519-941-6991 (1-877-941-6991) or online at www.dufferincounty.on.ca.

For information about provincial highway closures and conditions, call 1-800-268-4686 or visit www.mto.gov.on.ca and click on the Traveller Info link.

Correction

The contact number for the Dufferin Area Family Health Team’s new Weigh 2 Go! program, designed to help overweight children and their parents adopt a healthier lifestyle, was listed incorrectly in Tuesday’s edition of The Banner.

To learn more about the program, including participation criteria, contact Alana Young at 519-938-8802 ext. 309.

The Banner regrets the error.