The Tobacco and Vapour Prevention and Control program plays a primary role in provincial tobacco and vapour product reduction and enforcement, and administering the CRD Clean Air Bylaw.
Our goal is to support improved health for residents in the Island Health region by reducing the use of tobacco and vapour products.
We focus on educating the public about the long-term risks of smoking through our prevention services:
In British Columbia, the sale and use of tobacco and vapour products is governed by the Tobacco Control Act and regulation.
This legislation restricts the sale (including sales of tobacco to minors), distribution, advertising and promotion of tobacco and vapour products, and locations where tobacco and vapour products may be used.
We work with retailers and minors to enforce these laws:
On September 1, 2016, the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation came into effect, replacing the Tobacco Control Act and Regulation.
The new Act and Regulation restricts the display, sale and use of vapour products and will be consistent with the existing laws related to tobacco. Additionally, the provincial buffer zone around all doorways, open windows and air intakes will increase to six metres.
For more details on the new laws, please read the Requirements under the tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation information document.
We administer the Clean Air Bylaw on behalf of the CRD to maintain compliance.
The first Clean Air Bylaw for the Capital Regional District was implemented on January 1st, 1999. This Bylaw made all indoor public spaces 100% smoke-free.
On July 1st, 2007 the Bylaw was amended to require all businesses to make patios where food and beverages are served or consumed 100% smoke-free. The Bylaw, with the inclusion of parks, playgrounds, playing fields, public squares and bus stops as smoke-free spaces, is consistent with smoking bans in other jurisdictions on Vancouver Island, throughout British Columbia and across Canada.
Second Hand Smoke
Tobacco and Vapour Product Use on Health Board Properties
The Tobacco Prevention and Control program is not responsible for enforcing compliance with Island Health’s Smoke Free Premises Policy. Responsibility for ensuring compliance with Island Health’s Smoke Free Premises Policy rests with the site manager for each location across the region.
201-771 Vernon Ave
Victoria, B.C.
V8X 5A7
Provincial Inquiries: 250-519-3426
CRD Inquiries: 250-360-1450
Fax: 250-519-3442
29-1925 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, B.C.
V9S 1H1
Provincial Inquiries: 250-755-6285
Fax: 250-740-2675
355- 11th St
Courtenay, B.C.
V9N 1S4
Provincial Inquiries: 250-755-6285
Fax: 250-331-8596
