Grouse Mountain Goes Smoke Free

May 31 is World ‘No Tobacco Day’. As such, Grouse Mountain will be entirely smoke-free this Saturday. This day marks the start of a campaign to become the first smoke-free mountain resort in BC. In collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, B.C. and Yukon Division, staff and guests will trade in cigarettes for twizzlers and wear 'kiss me I don't smoke' buttons to celebrate our tobacco-free environment.

As the largest youth employer on Vancouver's North Shore, and in seeing over 1.1 million visitors annually, we have the opportunity to make a significant impact. We are commited to the health and wellness of our employees. Smoking cessation products are provided for staff looking to quit. We also offer the opportunity to buddy up with a non-smoking colleague for support and encouragement. In addition, meeting set goals can include incentives such as paid days off and prizes.

While we are in full support of all staff wishing to quit, we want to extend this same support to our guests. It can be tricky to step out and take a strong stance such as this one, but the overall goal is to create a healthy environment for guests and staff. We want to celebrate the enjoyment of unspoiled nature that makes our province so special. With the right tools and a supportive approach, we are certain that we can inspire this commitment in everyone who steps foot onto the mountain.

Tobacco use remains the largest single preventable cause of death and disease, killing more than 6,000 British Columbians each year. Cigarette smoking causes about 30 per cent of cancers in Canada and more than 85 per cent of lung cancers. Second-hand smoke is also linked to the death of 140 British Columbians each year.

It is our hope that other companies will follow suit and join us in our commitment.