A. Purpose
Nipissing University is committed to providing a healthy working and learning environment for all members of the campus community. The University recognizes scientific research indicating that smoking is harmful to one’s health and to the health of others through second-hand smoke. To fulfill its responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment the University complies with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act which prohibits smoking in workplaces, company vehicles and public spaces as well as with the City of North Bay’s Smoking By-Law (2012-097). Effective September 1, 2016 the University will be exceeding the requirements of provincial and municipal by-laws with the implementation of Designated Smoking Areas on campus.
B. Scope
This policy applies to all members of the Nipissing University campus community, including students, faculty and staff, as well as visitors, contractors and guests. All events, hosted on University property are subject to this policy.
C. Definitions
Smoking: is the inhalation, exhalation, burning, vaping, or carrying a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other apparatus used to smoke tobacco. This policy also applies to the use of e-cigarettes or any other non-medicinal inhalation device.
Designated Smoking Area (DSA): is an outdoor area that is assigned to allow individuals to smoke with minimum repercussions to the University Community. DSAs shall be equipped with tobacco waste receptacles and clearly identified by physical delineations (i.e. barriers or marking).
D. Policy
- Nipissing University recognizes and accepts the importance of Indigenous culture and spiritual practices as an integral aspect of learning. It acknowledges the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, section 13, under which it makes exemption for the use of tobacco by Aboriginal people for traditional cultural purposes. Nipissing University recognizes smudging tobacco, sage, sweet grass and cedar as traditional medicines for ceremonial purposes to promote unity, friendship and support. Aboriginal programming develops respect and knowledge of the sacred medicines which are essential to building an enhanced understanding of Indigenous peoples of Canada.
- All interior locations on university-owned and leased property will be smoke-free and inhalation free (i.e. e-cigarettes), including University- owned vehicles, enclosed public places and enclosed workplaces.
- Effective September1, 2016, smoking/inhalation will be limited to outdoor designated smoking areas. These designated smoking areas will be located nine meters away from building entranceways, exits, mechanically operated windows or intake vents. They will be located at the following locations:
Education Centre
- Across the road from the main front entrance
- Near the island sidewalk across from the Shipping and Receiving entrance
- Gazebos near the pond
- Across the road from the Owl’s Nest/ Alumni Hall Patio o Beyond the rear entrance at Hewgill Hall
Monastery Hall
- Beyond the side entrance facing bush area near garage
Residences
- Founders House: Across the parking lot from the rear entrance
- Chancellors House: Across the parking lot from the rear entrance and in the front by the kitchen patio
- Governors House: East of the main entrance near the Emergency Phone
- Townhouse Residence Complex: Inside the centre circle area, one for each of the four quadrants
- Enforcement of the Smoking Policy is the responsibility of Campus Security Services and fines will be issued by Security Officers acting as inspectors under North Bay By-Law No. 2012-97.
- Violators must produce identification upon request by a University/College official.
- In the case of a persistent violator, or extenuating circumstances, the enforcement process may also include enforcement in accordance to respective collective agreements, terms and conditions of employment or the policy on unacceptable conduct for students.
E. Supports
Smoking cessation supports are available to Nipissing University employees and students. Additional information is available from the Campus Health Centre
F. Evaluation
This policy will be reviewed at a minimum every five years.