NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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A by-law banning smoking/vaping tobacco, cannabis and other substances outdoors on property owned or leased by the City of Orillia comes into effect on May 15.
As per Chapter 954 of the City of Orillia Municipal Code, smoking/vaping outdoors will be prohibited in the following locations:
- All municipal properties;
- City parks, trails and beaches;
- Properties leased from the City;
- City parking lots;
- City docks and piers;
- On or within vehicles on City-owned or leased properties, including parking lots;
- On or within a boat located or moored on City-owned or leased property.
“Orillia Council is committed to fostering a healthier, greener community," said Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke. "With the legalization of recreational cannabis and the negative effects of smoking and vaping, Council wanted to create public spaces that were smoke and vape free in an effort to provide a welcoming environment that contributes to the overall well-being of our residents and visitors.
"We sought to strike a balance between opting in to the sale of recreational cannabis in Orillia, while also being respectful that people may not want it used in public spaces,” said Clarke.
Council approved some specific and general exemptions to the smoking/vaping by-law. The exemptions apply to a person that is:
- Smoking/vaping on any portion of a highway (this includes sidewalks) as municipalities do not have any jurisdiction to regulate this area;
- Smoking/vaping while situated on a vessel containing sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities that is moored within any City-owned or leased water lot;
- Smoking/vaping on a campsite within a park, provided the campsite has been approved by the City in conjunction with a special event;
- Entitled to possess cannabis for medical purposes and can provide the necessary documentation;
- The current designated smoking area at the City-owned Nordia property (2 Hunter Valley Rd.) and the Stephen Leacock Museum (50 Museum Dr.) during special events, subject to a smoking permit being issued by the City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department.
“The City of Orillia is hiring a part-time Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer to assist with enforcement of the by-law and will be erecting new signage throughout the city to advise people which properties will be smoke and vape free," said Shawn Crawford, Manager of Legislative Services.
"These costs are being subsidized through provincial funding provided by the Ministry of Finance associated with the legalization of cannabis,” he added.
To report smoking or vaping in prohibited outdoor areas on city-owned or leased property, please contact the city’s By-law Office at 705-325-231 or [email protected]. For more information on the City of Orillia smoking/vaping by-law visit orillia.ca/smokefree.
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