Milton council to discuss proposed by-law regarding waterpipe smoking
Published January 10, 2022 at 12:10 pm
At an upcoming meeting, Milton council is set to discuss a proposed by-law regarding waterpipe smoking.
The proposed Halton Region Waterpipe Smoking By-law would prohibit waterpipe smoking wherever smoking or vaping is currently prohibited under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA, 2017) and the Halton Region Smoking/Vaping By-law.
Waterpipe smoking, which negatively affects indoor and outdoor air quality, has also been linked to various harmful health outcomes much like cigarette smoking and vaping.
The council report notes that smoke from a waterpipe “contains harmful toxins and chemicals such as particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and heavy metals,” adding that this is the case even when tobacco is not used and the substance smoked is a non-tobacco herbal preparation.
The report also notes that waterpipe smoking has “an additional burden,” which is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the charcoal used to heat the tobacco or the non-tobacco herbal preparation.
At a meeting next week, the recommendation for the passage and implementation of the Halton Region Waterpipe Smoking By-law will be up for discussion.
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Additionally, council will be discussing the recommendation that the Regional Clerk forward a copy of the by-law to the City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton and Town of Oakville upon its passage, requesting that each Council pass a resolution giving its consent to the by-law.
Last year, the Halton Region Smoking/Vaping By-law came into effect, which prohibits the smoking of tobacco and cannabis, as well as the use of electronic cigarettes in public parks and public areas within nine metres from any entrance or exit of municipally owned or leased buildings and of child care centres.
This by-law expands on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA, 2017), which was enacted in 2018 and prohibits the smoking of tobacco and cannabis as well as the use of electronic cigarettes in prescribed places such as enclosed public places, workplaces, restaurants and bars including within nine metres of patios.
In order for a Regional by-law passed under this section to come into force, a triple majority is required, which means that a majority of all votes on Regional Council must be cast in its favour.
Additionally, it means that a majority of the local Councils representing a majority of the Region’s electors must pass resolutions consenting to the by-law.
Town staff have reviewed the proposed by-law and have no objection or concern with its passage.
The meeting is set to take place on Monday, Jan. 17 at 7:00 p.m.
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