Tobacco Control
The Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA, 2017) prohibits the smoking of tobacco, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to vape any substance, and the smoking of cannabis (medical and recreational) to protect workers and the public from second-hand smoke and vapor.
The Municipality of Sault Ste. Marie has enhanced its smoking bylaw to compliment the provincial Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) to include the addition of municipally-owned or leased public spaces tobacco, vapour and cannabis free.
For smoking-related bylaw information in your area, visit our Smoke Free Municipal By-Law section.
Under the Tobacco, Vapour and Smoke Protocol, 2018, the board of health shall publicly disclose a summary report of all retailer/owner convictions related to tobacco sales offences and vapour product sales offences. Enforcement activities are made available within two weeks of conviction and are posted for five years.
FAQs
What does 'smoking' refer to?
Smoking refers to the smoking or holding of lighted tobacco or cannabis (medical or recreational). Vaping refers to inhaling or exhaling vapour from an e-cigarettes , or holding an activated electronic cigarette, whether or not the vapour contains nicotine.
Where does the SFOA come into affect?
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act applies to:
- enclosed workplace
- enclosed public places
- schools
- indoor common areas in a condominium
- apartment building
- university or college residences
- childcare centres
- community recreational facilities
- sporting areas
- restaurant patios
- hospitals
- children’s playgrounds and play areas
For a complete list of premises, learn more about the municipal by-laws in your area.
Who will enforce these restrictions?
Algoma Public Health has designated enforcement staff that will conduct regular proactive compliance activities related to the smoking bylaw during their regular inspections for smoking and vaping in public places and workplaces. They will also investigate on a complaint basis, notifications received from the public about alleged violations of smoking and vaping in locations that are prohibited under the municipal smoking bylaw.
What is the goal of enforcement?
Enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Municipal Smoking Bylaw is to educate, facilitate and enforce general compliance with the restrictions that pertain to smoking and vaping in the community. The goal of bylaw enforcement is primarily aimed at achieving compliance in order to preserve the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of Algoma.
How to make a complaint and what information is needed?
To make a complaint regarding an individual(s) smoking or vaping in a restricted location contained in either the Smoke-Free Ontario Act or in your municipal bylaw, the complainant is requested to provide the following information:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email
- Date and time you saw smoking/vaping
- Description of the person or people smoking/vaping
Complaints from the public may be received in person, over the telephone, in writing, or through our online Facility Complaint Form.
What is the process for dealing with complaints from the public?
- All questions or complaints will be responded to as soon as possible
- How much personal information you provide is up to you, however, too little information may impact our ability to properly respond to or handle your request
- Algoma Public Health staff and volunteers will not release your personal information to anyone without your consent unless there is a legal requirement.
If I submit a complaint will I be notified of the outcome and what type of timeline can I expect for a response?
Our enforcement staff will contact you if more information is required and then they will inform you after the complaint has been closed and what compliance action was taken.
How much are the fines for smoking or vaping in prohibited places?
To smoke or vape any substance in a prohibited place is a set fine of $250.00 plus a victim surcharge of $55.00. Total payable fine is $305.00
If you have questions about the SFOA and/or the municipal smoking bylaw contact Algoma Public Health.
