Starting today, February 1, smoking or vaping tobacco and nicotine products is not allowed in many public places in the Town of Banff.

According to the town's website, smoking or vaping tobacco will no longer be allowed at:

  • Bus stops
  • Public sidewalks and pedestrian zones
  • Municipal parks/parkettes/green spaces
  • Trails and Pathways
  • Outdoor markets
  • Outdoor events
  • in proximity to children not in one’s custody, care or control

"This bylaw is about the health and well-being of all our residents and visitors. Second-hand smoke is harmful to others even outdoors and provides a poor experience when walking down our streets, playing in our parks, or taking in one of our events. Everyone has the right to clean air – especially children – and this bylaw will help reduce the amount of second-hand smoke in our community," the town stated.

However, the town did add that businesses are allowed to continue to designate smoking areas on their private property, such as hotel grounds and sidewalks leading to restaurants, off the public sidewalks.

"Businesses are not allowed to designate smoking areas in adjacent public areas such as parks or sidewalks. In public areas where smoking is permitted, it must not occur within five metres of sidewalks or trails, as per the municipal bylaw. "

Smoking and vaping tobacco and nicotine products will still be allowed:

  • on private property where it is permitted
  • outdoor parking areas, and 
  • in Banff’s network of alleys. 

Previously, the town banned smoking or vaping cannabis in any public places in the town boundaries, except in the Parks Canada-managed Cascades Gardens, and on trails and areas outside the town boundaries. Okotoks and Strathmore have similar bans.