Understanding the CRD Clean Air Bylaw

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 business doorways, windows and air intakes to seven metres. Get a Clean Air sign for your site. 

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

Read more FAQs on the Clean Air Bylaw.

Bylaw Background

The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board approved an amendment to Clean Air Bylaw No. 3962 at its May 9, 2018 meeting.

The amendment allows the bylaw to prohibit the burning or vaping of any substances, including cannabis, in any public space as identified in the existing bylaw, which includes: playing fields, playgrounds, and public squares. The bylaw will be deposited with the Minister of Health.

Quit smoking and health supports

Support is available to help B.C. residents stop smoking or using other tobacco products by helping with the cost of smoking cessation prescription drugs or nicotine replacement therapy products. To learn more, visit www.quitnow.ca.

• learn about cannabis and your health
• learn more about vaping and your health

Bylaw Background

The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board approved an amendment to Clean Air Bylaw No. 3962 at its May 9, 2018  meeting.

The amendment allows the bylaw to prohibit the burning or vaping of any substances, including cannabis, in any public space as identified in the existing bylaw, which includes: playing fields, playgrounds, and public squares. The bylaw will be deposited with the Minister of Health.

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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