Algoma University bans smoking on campus
Smoking and vaping is no longer permitted anywhere on Algoma University's Sault Ste. Marie campus.
As of Sept. 1, smokers will have to leave university property to light up as Algoma put in place a complete ban on smoking and vaping.
There are no designated smoking areas to be found on the university grounds. Officials said they have been working toward a complete smoking ban for some time.
"We started over two years ago, and we've been working, slowly working towards eliminating all designated smoking areas on campus over the last nine months," said Brianne Pringle, director of people and culture at Algoma University. "We reduced the number and today, all designated smoking areas have been eliminated."
The smoking ban covers staff, students and visitors. Pringle said the burning of tobacco for ceremonial purposes is still permitted. And she said there will be an education phase to bring everyone up to speed on the new rules.
"If we see someone that is smoking on campus, the first step will be to remind people (that) we're not allowing smoking on campus anymore," she said. "Security will be patrolling the areas and will be enforcing, just like they would anything else, like parking illegally and any other thing security would typically enforce."
Tim van Weerden, vice-president of student life for the Algoma University Student Union, said they support the smoking ban.
"We totally understand the school's thought behind it," said van Weerden. "Creating a smoke-free campus, improving the air around the campus, helping the student body around you."
However, van Weerden said it remains to be seen how students will react.
"I do know that this coming Saturday is moving day for students on campus, so I think we will then see more how students are adapting to a new policy like this," he said.
Laurentian University in Sudbury and Nipissing University in North Bay still allow smoking and vaping in designated areas on campus. A spokesman for Sault College said designated smoking areas have been closed since the beginning of the pandemic, with no plans to reopen them this semester.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.