Halifax’s new smoking and cannabis bylaws to be in place by Oct. 1

Halifax has set a date for when its new bylaw changes on smoking and cannabis will come into effect.

A news release sent out from the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) say that they’re aiming for a launch date of Oct. 1 — 16 days before the federal legalization of recreational cannabis comes into effect.

The municipality says that is an intentional decision, allowing people time to adjust to the changes before cannabis becomes legal.

Despite the release by city staff, regional council is set to debate a motion from Sam Austin, councillor for Dartmouth Centre, that will re-examine the recently passed bylaws.

READ MORE: Halifax takes first step in tightening regulations around cannabis use

Regional council voted on July 16 to amend two of the municipality’s bylaws to prohibit smoking and vaping of any substance — including cannabis — on all municipal property exhibit for designated areas.

“Smoking areas on municipal property will be clearly identified through smoking-permitted signage,” the municipality said in its release, though it offered no indication on what those areas may be.

Information regarding designated smoking areas are supposed to be part of an education campaign that will be rolled out in early September which will ensure people “understand what’s changing and what’s staying the same.”

“We recognize for some people there will be an adjustment,” said John Traves, Halifax’s director of legal, insurance and risk management, in the press release.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We recognize for some people there will be an adjustment," said John Traves, Halifax's director of legal, insurance and risk management, in the press release.

“That’s why we’re taking an approach that should help accommodate both smokers and non-smokers by establishing common, reasonable expectations with respect to second-hand smoke on sidewalks.”

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At least one prominent organization, the Halifax branch of the YWCA, has come out against the new bylaws.

“We feel that Council must exercise caution to avoid inadvertently disproportionately affecting Halifax’s poorest citizens and, especially, those who are experiencing homelessness and living in shelters and unstable housing,” said Miia Suokonautio, executive director of the organization, in a statement.

Enforcement of the new bylaws will be complaint-driven through the HRM’s 311 service.

The municipality says that the issuing of fines and legal action will be a last resort if compliance efforts are not successful.