Douglas College will be smoke-free for the start of the next academic year.
Starting Sept. 1, the college’s two campuses in Coquitlam and New Westminster will remove its designated smoking spaces and ban all forms of smoking — including tobacco, cannabis and vaping.
Cigarettes/Shutterstock
According to a news release, issued Tuesday, the move comes after a survey found more than three-quarters of respondents were bothered by second-hand smoke.
The poll also found 23% of respondents who smoke said they want to quit; in response, the college will provide information on smoking cessation program.
The smoking prohibition will extend to the college’s training group sites as well as parkades and parking lots.
“We are dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for both employees and students as well as the community around Douglas,” said Nancy Constable, Douglas’ director of safety, security and risk management, in the press release. “This change lets us join the growing ranks of public institutions that are going smoke-free.”
