In a decisive move that signals growing concerns about youth vaping, New Westminster’s city council has unanimously endorsed stricter controls on vape retailers, challenging provincial oversight that many local officials consider inadequate. The council’s vote Monday evening marked a significant step toward implementing regulations that would limit where vape shops can operate within city boundaries.
“The province is not doing enough to protect our kids,” said Councillor Daniel Fontaine, who introduced the motion. “We need to take matters into our own hands when it comes to the proximity of these shops to places where youth gather.”
The proposed regulations would establish a 150-meter buffer zone between vape retailers and locations frequented by young people, including schools, community centers, and parks. This protective measure aims to reduce youth exposure to these products, which Health Canada data shows have seen alarming adoption rates among teenagers despite age restrictions.
Council’s frustration stems from what they perceive as a regulatory gap. While the province holds jurisdiction over tobacco and vaping sales through the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act, many municipalities across British Columbia argue these protections don’t go far enough to address community-specific concerns.
“This isn’t about demonizing adult smokers who use vaping to quit traditional cigarettes,” explained Mayor Patrick Johnstone during the council session. “It’s about preventing a new generation from developing nicotine addictions through products that are clearly marketed to appeal to young people.”
The city’s planning department has been directed to prepare a comprehensive regulatory framework, which will include both zoning restrictions and business licensing requirements. The dual approach allows the city to exercise control through multiple policy levers, creating a more robust regulatory environment.
Industry representatives from the Canadian Vaping Association have voiced concerns about potential economic impacts on small businesses. Association spokesperson Martin Cullip warned that “overly restrictive zoning could force legitimate businesses to close while doing nothing to address the black market products that pose the greatest health risks.”
Public health experts from the Fraser Health Authority, however, have endorsed the council’s approach. Dr. Emily Reynolds, regional medical health officer, notes that “creating environmental barriers to access is a proven strategy for reducing youth uptake of harmful substances.”
This regulatory push in New Westminster mirrors similar initiatives across the country as municipalities grapple with the rapid proliferation of vape retailers. Toronto, Edmonton, and several Quebec municipalities have already implemented location restrictions for vape shops, creating a patchwork of regulations that some industry observers say creates compliance challenges for retailers operating in multiple jurisdictions.
The economic implications extend beyond shop owners to commercial property landlords. Real estate analyst Jennifer Wu points out that “specialized retail tenants like vape shops often sign long-term leases. Regulatory changes that force relocations can create significant market disruptions in the commercial property sector.”
The New Westminster regulations are expected to come before council for final approval within three months, following public consultation and legal review. City staff have been instructed to develop a timeline for implementation that balances public health priorities with reasonable accommodation for existing businesses.
As communities across Canada navigate the complex balance between commercial interests and public health priorities, New Westminster’s approach may serve as a template for other municipalities seeking to exercise greater local control. The question remains: in our federated system of governance, who should have the final say on regulations affecting community health – provincial authorities with broad mandates, or the local governments that directly face the consequences of these policies?
