SASKATOON – E-cigarettes could soon be banned in public places in Saskatoon. A report heading to the planning committee Monday is recommending council amend the city’s No Smoking Policy to include e-cigarettes.
If approved, using e-cigarettes in all city-owned buildings, pools, seating areas of outdoor sports facilities and within nine metres of the entrance of a civic building would be prohibited.
It would also apply to all civic vehicles.
The issue arose after the devices were used on Saskatoon Transit and on city property.
READ MORE: Advocacy groups take notice of e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that mimic the use, and sometimes the taste, of conventional cigarettes. There is no tobacco but they can deliver nicotine through vapour.
Saskatoon currently has no legislation prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in a public place. The current city bylaw only applies to tobacco.
The report says the most effective and consistent approach to regulating e-cigarette use is to lobby the provincial government to amend current legislation, however the province has no interest at this time to adopt such measures.
READ MORE: Two sides to the e-cigarette debate
Administration says amending the city’s policy to include electronic cigarette under the definition of “smoke/smoking” would address e-cigarette use in city-owned facilities.
In addition to the policy being amended, the planning committee could also recommend council make a bylaw amendment restricting the use of electronic cigarettes.
Martensville and Warman have already prohibited the use of e-cigarettes in city-owned, operated, leased facilities and restaurants, licensed premises and various outdoor facilities.
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