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.
Clean Air Benefits
- there is no safe level of second hand smoke. Harmful particles from tobacco, cannabis and vapour products can be carried up to seven metres in outdoor settings
- young children and people with health conditions are especially vulnerable to the mental and physical effects of second hand smoke from tobacco, vapour products and cannabis
- second hand tobacco smoke contains more than 4000 toxic substances, over 40 of which cause cancer
- tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Canada
- smoking restrictions decrease negative role modeling for children and assist smokers in quitting
Bylaw Enforcement
Encouraging compliance with the bylaw includes:
- targeted education and awareness
- sufficient and proper signage
- voluntary compliance and self-enforcement
- rotation of physical presence and monitoring by Island Health Enforcement Officers
- ticketing in specific situations by Island Health enforcement officers
Bylaw Background
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.
Support and Resources to Reduce or Quit Vaping or Commercial Tobacco
Support and Resources to help Reduce or Quit Cannabis
Island Health Tobacco & Vapour Control Program
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.
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