North Vancouver looks to revamp smoking bylaws after cannabis legalization, vaping on the rise

NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We’ve all had to deal with second hand smoke — but between the legalization of pot and a rise in vaping — it’s becoming a bigger issue throughout Metro Vancouver.

That’s prompting a look from some municipalities at what can be done about it.

Around the City of North Vancouver, individuals and businesses have expressed their concerns, saying they don’t like the smell they’re exposed to. There are also concerns about disposed cigarettes starting fires.

These are some of the reasons City Councillor Jessica McIlroy called for staff to research a ban in city plazas, parks and some trails — a call backed by other councillors this week as they approved her motion.

“For staff to look at our definition of smoking in the bylaws,” she says. “The definition currently does say ‘e-cigarette’, which is good to have that there, but obviously, our bylaw has not been updated since the legalization of cannabis.”

McIlroy says she hears the concerns of smokers — many of whom can’t smoke in their homes — and is hoping for a solution that can accommodate them, too.

“The difference I think with cannabis is that people are still not used to the smell and the difference in the type of smoke that they’re exposed to in public spaces.”

Staff would also look at expanding existing smoking bylaws to include previously unprotected areas.

“From my perspective, we really want to get to a place where we are creating our public spaces so all people can enjoy it,” she adds.