Smoking, vaping to be banned on trails, sidewalks in Banff

A mountain town in Alberta has passed an ordinance banning smoking and vaping in most public places.

Banff’s bylaw, which takes effect in February, bans tobacco smoking and vaping in its municipal parks and green spaces, on trails and paths and at outdoor markets and events.

The bylaw also covers bus stops and public sidewalks and in the vicinity of children.

This means smoking or vaping in the town, which is located in Banff National Park, will be restricted to parking lots, alleys and on private property.

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Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno said the bylaw aims to make the sidewalks and trails in Banff enjoyable for everyone.

“To me, introducing smoke-free public places in Banff is really about setting the tone that we value our clean mountain air in our community, we want to promote healthy lifestyles and we want to model the behavior we want to see. in our children and youth,” she said.

DiManno said the town will focus on education before it begins enforcing the ordinance, creating visual guides for hotels and businesses to educate residents and guests.

“We always start first with communication and promotions of any changes to our bylaws. We like to take an education-first approach before going to any type of enforcement,” she said.

There is an exemption for the ceremonial use of tobacco for traditional indigenous practices.

The ordinance carries fines between $250 and $500 for violations.

–With files from Stephanie Swensrude, 630 CHED