Edmonton International goes smoke-free on Nov. 1

Edmonton, Alta. — For the comfort and well being of all passengers and employees, Edmonton International Airport will become a smoke-free facility and workplace effective Nov. 1, 2007.

Currently, smoking is permitted inside three enclosed smoking rooms in the Departures Lounge (post-security) and inside the separate, enclosed lounge areas of two licensed restaurants — one located pre-security and the other post-security.

All indoor smoking areas will be closed. For the convenience of those who would like to smoke, six clearly marked outdoor smoking areas will be available pre-security on both the Departures and Arrivals Levels. Outdoor smoking areas will be located away from doors and other high-traffic pedestrian areas.

The decision to move to a smoke-free terminal was based on a growing trend in airports and other public places to address concerns over workplace health and safety and other issues.

Federal and provincial regulations prohibiting smoking in all public places and workplaces are expected to come into effect by Jan. 1, 2008.

“Edmonton International is happy to provide a healthy, smoke-free environment for all of its customers, tenants and staff,” said Reg Milley, President and CEO, Edmonton Airports. “We believe that our corporate responsibility extends to reducing the controllable risks to the health and safety of our customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Providing a smoke-free facility and workplace will contribute to this goal.”

Smoke-free public places and workplaces are fast becoming the standard throughout the world. Many airports in Canada and the United States are already 100 per cent smoke-free indoors.

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Edmonton International Airport is Canada’s fastest-growing major airport.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
Edmonton Airports Corporate Communications
Jim Rudolph, Phone: 780.890.8454, Cell: 780.717.5117
E-mail: jrudolph@flyeia.com