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
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
NEW Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Parents of infant who died in wrong-way crash on Ontario's Hwy. 401 were in same vehicle
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has released new details about a wrong-way collision in Whitby on Monday night that claimed the lives of four people.
Tiger Woods gets special exemption to U.S. Open at Pinehurst
Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time the three-time champion has needed an exemption to play.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'
Maple Leafs down Bruins 2-1 to force Game 7
William Nylander scored twice and Joseph Woll made 22 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday to force Game 7 in their first-round series.
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.
WATCH LIVE Federal government to announce funding to help Toronto host six 2026 World Cup games
The federal government is set to announce funding to help Toronto host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Is your password 123456? Here's why you should make it stronger
With the sheer number of passwords needed today, it may come as no surprise that over 60 per cent of Canadians feel overwhelmed, and over a third reportedly forget their passwords monthly.