Aurora Council shoots down ban on e-cigarettes

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 19, 2014
By Teresa Latchford

Vapers can keep on puffing inside town facilities after council voted against a ban.

Following complaints about an individual using an electronic cigarette at the Aurora Public Library, staff put forward a report asking council members to consider banning the use of the devices within town-owned buildings.

E-cigarettes, which are comprised of a battery, chamber containing liquid and an atomizer that heats up the liquid to turn it into vapour, are not covered under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act that applies to tobacco products. That means it’s not against the law to use the devices in workplaces and public spaces.

“I don’t smoke or use e-cigarettes, but this seems premature to me,” Councillor Paul Pirri said at last week’s council meeting. “It makes more sense to wait for conclusive evidence of the health implications before we go one way or another.”

He pointed out there is still much to learn about the devices. For example, the staff report makes mention of “protecting users from the unknown health effects of second-had electronic cigarette smoke...”, but the e-cigs only emit a water vapour, not smoke.

“It just demonstrates we don’t even know what we are opposed to,” Pirri added.

Councillor Evelyn Buck wants to support those using the e-cigs to quit smoking by not banning their use.

Councillor Michael Thompson suggested following the lead of another municipality, like Toronto, which is lobbying the government on the issue instead of taking it on at the local level.

Warren Mar, town solicitor, advised council the province is looking into the issue further and that this bylaw would only cover indoor facilities, not outdoor town parks.

The ban was defeated in a five to four vote.