Bylaw to ban smoking in parks and trails
A $45,000 project to write a bylaw banning smoking in Town parks and on trails. On July 23, 2025, Council moved it from 2027 to 2028.
- Amount
- $45,000
- Got
- $0
- Where it stands
- To 2028. Moved by the Eaglecrest funding plan, Jul 2025.
What it is
This project would create a bylaw to ban smoking in local parks and on trails. The $45,000 is for a consultant. Staff said the work would include writing the bylaw, public education and new signs.
The Town already limits smoking in some outdoor places. Smoking Regulation Bylaw No. 730 (2019) bans smoking and vaping in or within 7.5 metres of public playgrounds, playing fields, outdoor special events and bus stops. It also covers waterfront sidewalks and grassed areas. It bans smoking cannabis on all public land. The new bylaw would reach parks and trails in general.
On July 23, 2025, Council moved the project from 2027 to 2028 as part of the Eaglecrest funding plan. The resolution says each deferred item waits one year, or until the Strategic Initiatives Reserve is paid back from future land sales.
What happened
- May 13, 2019Council adopted Smoking Regulation Bylaw No. 730.
- November 10, 2023Staff estimated $45,000 plus ongoing bylaw staff time, costing about $20,000 a year in property taxes. The committee asked to discuss a smaller scope at its next meeting.
- July 23, 2025Council moved the project from 2027 to 2028 (4–1, Councillor Harrison opposed).
- April 1, 2026The 2026–2030 Financial Plan shows $45,000 in 2028.
Why it matters
- Staff said other towns have banned smoking in parks to protect health and the environment, keep public areas clean and lower fire risk.
- B.C. rules already ban smoking and vaping near doorways, open windows and air intakes of public places. Local bylaws may go further.
- The 2025 Annual Report lists this bylaw under 2027–2030 plans, subject to future Council decisions.
- Staff said the Qualicum Commons lease and the Eaglecrest purchase were not in their work plans for 2025 or 2026, so other planned work had to move.
- The 2026–2030 Financial Plan says Council's ability to go ahead with 2027 and later initiatives depends on paying back the Strategic Initiatives Reserve.
Sources
- Special Council agenda and deferral lists, Jul 23, 2025 (opens in a new tab)
- Staff report: 2025–2029 Financial Plan Amendment, Oct 22, 2025 (opens in a new tab)
- Special Council minutes, Jul 23, 2025 (Resolution 25-180) (opens in a new tab) pp. 2–3
- 2026–2030 Financial Plan (adopted Apr 1, 2026) (opens in a new tab) pp. 20–21
- Smoking Regulation Bylaw No. 730, 2019 (opens in a new tab) pp. 1–2
- Committee of the Whole agenda, Nov 10, 2023 (scoping sheet) (opens in a new tab) p. 25
- Committee of the Whole minutes, Nov 10, 2023 (opens in a new tab) p. 3
- Regular Council agenda, Jun 24, 2026 (2025 Annual Report) (opens in a new tab) p. 121
- Province of B.C.: Smoking and vaping-free places (opens in a new tab)
Last checked September 19, 2026. Report a mistake.