Smoking, Vaping and Cannabis Rules in Iqaluit

The City of Iqaluit bans using tobacco, vaping and consuming cannabis in or within nine metres of workplaces, public places, playgrounds, skate parks and sports fields. Schools get a wider 15-metre zone. The rule is By-Law No. 863, the Public Cannabis Consumption, Tobacco Use and Vaping By-law, which Council passed on third reading on 9 October 2018 and which repealed By-Law No. 570.

Where are tobacco, vaping and cannabis banned in Iqaluit?

Section 4.01 prohibits consuming cannabis, using tobacco or vaping:

• in or on a workplace, or within 9 metres of any entrance or exit
• in or on a public place, or within 9 metres of its entrance or exit
• in the common area of an apartment building or condominium, or within 9 metres of its outside entrance
• in a public vehicle such as a bus or taxi
• at a child day care, and in or within 9 metres of a day care facility
• on a hospital or health facility, including its grounds, or within 9 metres of an entrance
• in, on or within 9 metres of a playground, skate park or sports field
• in or within 9 metres of a parade, concert or other public assembly

Section 4.02 adds schools: not in a school, on its grounds, or within 15 metres of an entrance or exit. “Smoke” is defined broadly and includes water pipes and electronic cigarettes. A public place means a building, structure or public vehicle open to the public, whether roofed or not, but excludes streets, roads and highways.

Section 4.06 also bars smoking in a way, including inside your own dwelling, that lets smoke or vapour be detected in a workplace, a public place, an apartment common area or another person’s dwelling.

What is allowed?

Article 5 lists exceptions, including a private residence part of a workplace, a hotel room set aside for smoking, and an elder home smoking area. An enclosed shelter set aside for smoking or vaping may sit closer than 9 metres if the smoke does not reach people entering or leaving. Cannabis consumption in a licensed cannabis lounge is outside the by-law.

What are the fines?

Schedule A sets, for an individual, a specified fine of $200 for using tobacco, vaping or consuming cannabis where prohibited (sections 4.01 and 4.02). The maximum is $1,000 with no prior convictions and $2,000 with one or more. Knowingly permitting use, under sections 4.03 and 4.04, carries a $250 specified fine for an individual.

Who enforces it?

An Officer is a Municipal Enforcement Officer or a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Officers can issue a violation ticket under the Summary Convictions Procedures Act, or lay an information requiring a court appearance. They may enter a designated place of public assembly to check compliance.

The by-law gives no complaint line. Territorial rules apply too; see Nunavut’s provincial summary. For the doorway distance idea in general, read smoking near doorways, and compare penalties in fines for smoking in prohibited places. Other cities are on the bylaw hub.