Banff is now largely smoke-free and vape-free in public places
Banff's new bylaw prohibiting smoking or vaping of tobacco in many public places is now in effect.
Councillors passed the Smoke Free Public Place Bylaw in December by a vote of 5 to 1.
"The new rules provide a safer place for residents and visitors to enjoy Banff without the health risks of second-hand smoke," reads a statement on the Town of Banff’s website.
"The new bylaw also helps reduce fire risks and reduces littering in the national park community."
As of Feb. 1, smoking or vaping of tobacco products is prohibited in the following areas throughout the town:
- Bus stops;
- Public sidewalks and pedestrian zones;
- Municipal parks/parkettes/green spaces;
- Trails and pathways;
- Outdoor markets;
- Outdoor events; and
- In proximity to children not in one’s custody, care or control.
Provincial law continues to ban smoking within five metres from publicly accessible doorways or windows, which has restricted smoking for a number of years on most sidewalks in the downtown core.
New provincial restrictions implemented in 2021 also bans smoking in:
- Hospital, school and childcare properties;
- Playgrounds, sports and playing fields;
- Skateboard and bicycle parks;
- zoos, outdoor theatres; and
- public outdoor pools and splash pads.
Banff had previously banned smoking or vaping of cannabis in any public places in the town boundaries, except in the Parks Canada-managed Cascades Gardens, on trails and areas outside the town boundaries.
Smoke and vaping of tobacco and nicotine products will still be allowed on private property, outdoor parking areas and alleys.
"Businesses can continue to designate smoking areas on their private property, such as hotel grounds and sidewalks leading to restaurants, off the public sidewalks," reads the Town of Banff's website.
"The ceremonial use of tobacco through Indigenous practices are also allowed."
Smoking restrictions have been discussed by council since June 2018 when the topic first emerged during cannabis legalization.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.