Advocates for a smoke-free British Columbia
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The public want to see progress on smoke-free multi-unit housing.

For over a decade we have worked to encourage and equip housing providers to adopt 100 percent no-smoking policies. Few have taken voluntary action. We believe a legislated or regulatory approach is now warranted.

BC GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATION declaring that June 24-30, 2019 shall be known as "Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Week."

2018 SURVEY RESULTS and related media release. The majority of British Columbians want 100% smoke-free housing but few options exist.

READ OUR RECOMMENDATIONS to government making the case for increasing options for smoke-free multi-unit housing.

  • Issue

    Nearly one in two British Columbians live in multi-unit housing today (condos, town houses and apartments). Half are impacted by drifting second-hand smoke, a known health hazard. As housing densifies, the problem will only get worse.
    Unwanted exposure to toxic second-hand smoke in multi-unit housing has increased from 30 to 50 percent from 2008 to 2013, in spite of BC’s record low smoking rate (14.3 per cent).
     
    Current provincial law prohibits smoking in most public places, and in all residential building common areas, but does not apply within a private home, patio or balcony.  
     
    We believe living in a smoke-free home should be a basic health protection afforded every British Columbian – not just those able to own their own detached homes.

  • Challenge

    Research confirms four out of five British Columbians want to live in 100 percent smoke free environments, but the supply of smoke-free multi-unit housing - both public and private sectors - is scarce.
    Our smoking rate, at 14 percent, may be Canada’s lowest, but those who do smoke, smoke at home and on their balconies, perpetuating the health hazard of second-hand smoke exposure we are working to resolve.
     
    Increasing numbers of multi-unit housing residents are finding themselves trapped with unwelcome second-hand smoke infiltrating their homes. This is especially problematic for vulnerable populations: the elderly, people with chronic conditions, and those living in public housing. Many have neither the income to consider alternatives nor affordable options to choose from.

  • Recommendations

    Debate regarding the harms of second-hand smoke is over. Public tolerance is fast diminishing. The only way to fully protect our health from second-hand smoke is to eliminate smoking in multi-unit housing. We recommend the BC government consider the following:
    1. Develop smoking status disclosure laws. Require landlords and strata corporations to disclose to prospective tenants and buyers a building’s smoking status, and where the smoking units are located in the building.
    2. Amend Residential Tenancy Act to make it easier to go smoke-free. Permit landlords to implement premise-wide no-smoking policies that apply to all existing tenants (no grandfather clause), giving tenants six months’ notice to comply.
    3. Adopt smoke-free policies for all BC Housing properties. Adopt a policy for all properties owned and managed by the BC government (BC Housing). Consider public and stakeholder consultations to address concerns. 
    4. Amend Strata Property Act to make all new strata corporations smoke-free. Unless owners choose to pass a ¾ vote to allow smoking, no smoking would be allowed. The amendment would not affect existing strata developments. 
    5. Introduce incentives for builders /developers to establish smoke-free properties. Consider tax credits that designate new buildings smoke-free, and reductions in insurance premiums for the affordable housing sector. This has been successful in the US.
  • 50% of BC residents are exposed
    Tobacco smoke particles and gases can travel from unit to unit through light fixtures, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, walls, ceiling crawl spaces, shared ventilation systems and from balconies and patios.
  • Even a little smoke can be dangerous
    There is no amount of risk-free exposure to second-hand smoke. It causes heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory problems in non-smokers, and is a known cause of sudden infant death syndrome.
  • The public wants smoke-free homes
    84% of British Columbians do not smoke and 2 of 3 renters and owners prefer to live in a smoke free building (2013 Angus Reid Survey).
  • For more info go to SmokeFreeHousingBC
  • REPORT TO GOVERNMENT

    Our 2016 report makes the case and provides practical recommendations for government action on smoke-free multi-unit housing. Read it here.

  • RESOURCES

    Our Smoke-Free Housing website is a valuable toolkit for residents, landlords, property managers and stratas.

  • REAL-LIFE STORIES

    Pitt Meadows father wins protracted human rights battle to protect his family from second-hand smoke. Read Paolo's story.

    Vancouver condo owner frustrated by his strata management’s inaction on serious second-hand smoke issue. Read John's story.

    Surrey father can't let his kids play in their yard because of neighbour's second-hand smoke. Read Richard's story.