The Clean Air Bylaw No. 3962 makes all parks, playgrounds, playing fields, public squares and bus stops in the Capital Regional District free from smoke from tobacco, vapour products and cannabis. It also sets smoke-free buffer zones outside of building doorways, windows and air intakes to seven metres. Get a Clean Air sign for your location.
Encouraging compliance with the bylaw includes:
The Clean Air Bylaw for the Capital Regional District (CRD) was first implemented on January 1, 1999, making all indoor public spaces 100% smoke-free.
The bylaw was amended on July 1, 2007 to include all businesses with patios where food and beverages were being served and/or consumed.
On September 10, 2014, the CRD Board adopted Clean Air Bylaw No. 3962, which expanded the smoke-free areas to include parks, playgrounds, playing fields, public squares and bus stops. It also extended the smoke-free buffer zones outside of doorways, windows and air intakes (from 3 metres to 7 metres). Following an extensive public education and awareness campaign, the enforcement of the bylaw began on April 1, 2015.
The most recent bylaw amendment was adopted by the CRD Board at its January 9, 2019 meeting. This amendment prohibits the burning or vaping of any substances, including cannabis, in any public space as identified in the existing bylaw.
To consult with an enforcement officer or if you have a concern about compliance, please contact the Island Health Tobacco & Vapour Control Program or email CleanAirBylaw@islandhealth.ca.
