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Perth town council was asked to consider expanding restrictions on where cannabis can be smoked or vaped in public and shared spaces.
A request from Perth resident Dirk Nagy says the issue is not the legality of cannabis, but the impact of second-hand smoke and odour on people who may not want to be exposed.
Nagy wrote to council saying cannabis smoking has been encountered in several public settings in Perth, including outside buildings, near parking areas and along public streets.
He says exposure can be particularly difficult for people with respiratory conditions, migraines, scent sensitivities and other medical concerns.
The request comes as Town staff are already preparing a report on banning smoking, including cannabis, and vaping on municipally owned property.
Nagy wants that review expanded to examine whether restrictions could also apply to sidewalks, roads, parking areas, commercial spaces and other public places.
The request points to Markham and Richmond Hill, where municipal bylaws restrict recreational cannabis smoking and vaping in a range of public spaces, while providing accommodation for authorized medical cannabis use.
The request asks staff to examine the Town’s legal authority under the Municipal Act and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, along with enforcement, accessibility, public health and medical cannabis considerations.
Nagy says the goal is not to prohibit cannabis consumption, but to determine where smoking or vaping should be permitted when it affects others sharing public spaces.
Perth council’s committee voted to direct staff to bring forward a report on restricting cannabis smoking and vaping in public places beyond municipally owned properties.
Story by Brian Turner
