Halton Region Prohibits Smoking, Vaping in Public Places

By: Laura Steiner

Halton Regional Council has voted to prohibit smoking and vaping in some public spaces.  The bylaw came was effective as of March 15, 2021, and includes tobacco, cannabis, e-cigarettes and vaping.

“The by-law  ensures we are helping protect our community from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and vaping,” Halton Chief Medical Officer of health (CMOH) Dr. Hamidah Meghani said.  The prohibition applies to following areas:

• In public parks;
• within nine metres from any entrance or exit of municipally owned or leased buildings; and
• within nine metres from any entrance or exit of child care centres.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents and our Public Health Inspectors will continue to educate the public about the by-law and respond to issues of no-compliance,” Regional Chair Gary Carr said.

Municipal-owned buildings include municipal offices, community centres, libraries, arenas, museum, public washrooms, recreational centres, police stations, fire halls and ambulance stations.To make a complaint about smoking or vaping in public places, email accesshalton@halton.ca or contact Halton Region Public Health by calling 311. To learn more about the by-law, visit the Halton Region Smoking and Vaping in Public Places By-Law No. 40-20 webpage on halton.ca. For additional information on where you can’t smoke or vape in Ontario, please visit ontario.ca.