During the pandemic, the need for safe outdoor spaces became more apparent than ever. At 5th Canadian Division Support Base (5 CDSB) Gagetown in Oromocto, N.B., all existing outdoor break areas were also designated smoking zones, leaving members who don’t smoke with little choice but to stand in parking lots or other open areas, even in bad weather, or to take up smoking to access the outdoor break space. This sparked an idea to create a designated smoke-free outdoor space where individuals could take a break, breathe fresh air and connect with others in a healthier environment.
The initiative began in 2021 when an instructor noticed a troubling scenario following a break from a workshop. While people who smoke enjoyed a covered gazebo during their break, people who don’t smoke seeking a mask-free moment were left standing in the rain.
“I just remember looking out and thinking this environment is making it easier to smoke,” said Anne Dore, Health Promotion Specialist, PSP, at 5 CDSB Gagetown. “I drove around the base and started to look at all the outdoor spaces and realized there was only one that had a picnic table that wasn’t a designated smoking space.”
This realization led to a collaborative effort to address the issue, involving key partners such as 42 Health Services’ Mental Health Team, the 5th Canadian Division Safety Services, the 5th Canadian Division Support Group Environmental Services Branch and the Real Property Operations Unit (Atlantic) Detachment Gagetown.
Advocates for the project highlighted several benefits beyond providing a simple break area. From a mental health perspective, access to green spaces is known to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
“Providing a smoke-free area shows the CAF’s commitment to health and well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all employees,” said Capt. Hilary Gamblin. “It is important to incorporate outdoor break spaces into the workplace as it can lead to a healthier, happier and more engaged workforce.”
For those trying to quit smoking, having an alternative space to socialize without exposure to second-hand smoke could be an important step in their cessation journey. Non-smoking members would now have access to smoke-free, outdoor break areas. Additionally, the environmental benefits of the project became clear when Environmental Services proposed incorporating native tree species and pollinator-friendly plants into the site, creating a space that would enhance air and water quality and offer natural shade and cooling.
“The project really became a cross-collaboration,” said Dore. “A number of people saw the benefits of the project and wanted to get involved.”
With support from Gagetown’s Mission Ready Committee and Personnel Support Services Unit, the project gained momentum. The former Base Commander Colonel Marc Parent signed off on the plan in 2023, approving the construction of five smoke-free, outdoor break areas. The first gazebo was completed in July 2023, strategically placed at the headquarters building, while four additional sites await final installation due to supply chain delays.
The response to the first completed gazebo has been overwhelmingly positive. While it was designed primarily as a break space, it has also become a multi-functional area where students gather to study, personnel hold informal meetings and many take their lunch outdoors. Looking to expand on the initiative, some units have begun exploring the possibility of creating their own smoke-free spaces, with one training unit even requesting an area large enough to accommodate an entire group of students for outdoor learning and breaks.
In the interim, some units have taken smaller steps by relocating picnic tables from smoking zones to new, non-smoking areas.
Base Gagetown remains one of the top three military bases for smoking rates. Rather than eliminating smoking shelters outright, this initiative offers a healthy alternative, ensuring that those who don’t smoke – and those looking to quit – have a comfortable space of their own, while still respecting the need for designated smoking areas.
As the remaining gazebos await installation, the hope is that this project will not only provide functional spaces but also set a precedent for future wellness initiatives at Gagetown and beyond. With its focus on physical, mental, social and environmental benefits, the new smoke-free gazebo represents a small yet significant step toward a healthier military community.
PSP Health Promotion teams on Bases and Wings across Canada deliver the CAF Surgeon General’s Strengthening the Forces program, to empower individuals and communities in achieving better health and wellbeing. Contact your local PSP Health Promotion office for support with initiatives that can contribute to positive change.
