News

SIMCOE, OCTOBER 27, 2016 – The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit applauds Indwell for making Hambleton Hall 100% smoke-free. Hambleton Hall is a newly opened, affordable housing community located on John Street in Simcoe. The Health Unit formally recognized Hambleton Hall for its commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment for tenants at its open house on October 26^th.

“Multi-unit housing remains one of the few indoor places in Ontario where people continue to be exposed to second-hand smoke,” said Michelle Lyne, program manager at the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. “Smoke-free policies are the most effective way of reducing second-hand smoke exposure in multi-unit housing.”

Hambleton Hall’s smoke-free policy does not prevent people who smoke from renting accommodation or force people to quit smoking – it is all about providing residents with clean, smoke-free air. The Health Unit will be providing support to tenants who want to quit smoking by offering STOP smoking workshops at Hambleton Hall.

Indwell’s mission is to create affordable housing communities that support people seeking health, wellness and belonging.

“People with low income are particularly affected by exposure to second-hand smoke because they often have fewer housing options and are unable to move,” said Julie Richardson, health promoter at the Health Unit. “It is great to have a leader in terms of creating healthy supportive housing in our community. We encourage more landlords to create smoke-free policies, and we hope that Hambleton Hall will set an example of how this can be done.”

One-third of multi-unit housing residents in Ontario are exposed to second-hand smoke in their own homes according to The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit. Public demand for smoke-free policies is extremely high. Eight out ten Ontarians who live in multi-unit housing, given a choice, would prefer a smoke-free building, according to an Ipsos poll conducted in 2010.  Landlords or building managers who are interested in smoke-free policies can contact the Health Unit at 519-426-6170.

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Julie Richardson

Health Promoter, Community Health

Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit

[email protected]

(519) 426-6170 Ext. 3201