Why make spaces smoke-free? Because there is no risk-free level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke puts your loved ones’ health at risk – especially children.
Find out more about the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Smoke-free home
A smoke-free home is a residence where no smoking is allowed inside anytime by anyone. A smoke-free home is one where people are asked not to smoke while visiting.
Can a Strata Council pass a bylaw making the building a smoke-free?
Yes. Within the bylaw you can put in suggestions on how to make the building smoke-free, such as:
- people agree not to smoke in their suites
- balcony smoking be limited to the winter months
How can I decrease the amount of smoke entering a suite from another suite or balcony?
- put weather-stripping around doors
- wrap shared plumbing pipes with extra insulation
- ask for outside fan ventilation
Is taking a smoke break outside on my balcony a problem?
Possibly. Smoke may be drifting into other apartments.
- check with neighbours to see if smoke is drifting
- consider going for a walk when having a smoke, especially during summer months when fellow condo owners are trying to enjoy fresh air on their balconies
Smoke-free vehicles
Similar to a smoke-free home, a smoke-free vehicle is a vehicle where no smoking is allowed inside anytime by anyone.
It’s against the law in BC to smoke in cars when youth under the age of 16 are present.
Violators may be subject to a fine of $100 (equivalent to the fine for failure to use a booster seat) For more information, see: Bill 36.
Smoke-free child care
Licensed child care facilities must be smoke and vapour free as per Section 13(3) of the Child Care Licensing Regulation:
A licensee must ensure that, while children are under the supervision of employees, no one smokes or uses tobacco, holds lighted tobacco, uses an e-cigarette or holds an activated e-cigarette on the premises of a community care facility or in any vehicle used by employees to transport children.
When choosing an unlicensed child care facility ensure the home and vehicles will be smoke free.
Tobacco-free sports
Sport is a celebration of life. From the impromptu game in the park to school teams and local leagues to national championships, world cups and the Olympics – sports inspire healthy living, healthy competition and fun.
Island Health invests in tobacco prevention, including the promotion of Tobacco-Free Sports.
Tobacco-free schools
Under the Tobacco and Vapour Control Act all public and private kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in B.C. are required to be tobacco and vapour-free.
Tobacco-free schools support families to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, and help schools take a health-promoting approach to tobacco reduction.
