Richmond Hill Council Votes Unanimously to Pass Cannabis By-law

RICHMOND HILL – A special meeting was held today where Richmond Hill Council voted to pass a new By-law. By-law 112-18 prohibits cannabis use in additional locations not covered by the provincial legislation and provides for a system of fines and adjudication.

“This By-law is the wise thing to do,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance. Cannabis is legal and we recognize a citizen’s right to legally obtain and use cannabis, which our By-law still allows. The key will be public education.”

The smoking or vaporizing of recreational cannabis is prohibited in all public places in Richmond Hill. Public places include any place to which the public has access as of right or invitation, express or implied, regardless of whether it is owned by a public or private entity and any motor vehicle located in a public place or in any place open to public view. It’s important to note that medical cannabis users will be exempt.

Richmond Hill’s new By-law will ensure our public spaces continue to be enjoyed by all.

To read the full By-law, please visit RichmondHill.ca.

Quick Facts

• York Region Public Health, Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes Control Officers will enforce the proposed Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017, which will regulate the sale, supply, use, display and promotion of tobacco and vapour products including smoking and vaping of cannabis.

Associated Links
York.ca/CannabisInfo

Media Contact
For more information, please contact:

• Neil Garbe, Chief Administrative Officer, at 905-771-6366 or neil.garbe@richmondhill.ca
• Meeta Gandhi, Director, Communication Services at 905-747-6311 or meeta.gandhi@richmondhill.ca