Moving towards a smoke-free quad

As part of Ryerson’s commitment to creating healthy and safe environments, the university is pleased to introduce a new initiative with the aim of moving towards a smoke- and vape-free quad.

Ryerson's Smoking and Vaping Policy, which will be available in the coming weeks on the Universities Administrative Policies website, reflects existing provincial laws and the Smoke Free Ontario Act (external link)  and includes items that are unique to the university. In addition to the smoke- and vape-free quad, the new policy includes exemptions for research and medical purposes. It’s also important to note that Indigenous ceremonial and cultural practices, such as smudging are outside the scope of the policy.

“We’re committed to the success of Ryerson’s students, faculty and staff by creating a safe, secure and healthy environment that puts the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of our people first. This change supports Ryerson’s goal of creating campus environments where our community can thrive,” said President Mohamed Lachemi.

Ryerson’s quad is a valuable green space and a Ryerson-owned property. In addition to being a favourite spot for faculty, staff and students to recharge, it’s home to the Early Learning Centre’s outdoor playground, and the entrance of the Ryerson Athletics Centre. In the summer months, it’s also an activity space for children enrolled in the Ryerson Day Camp.

"Moving to a smoke-free quad will allow the children in the Early Learning Centre to fully benefit from outdoor learning time without the harmful effects of smoke. We greatly appreciate the support of the university and community members in putting the children first with this policy,” said Charlene Ryan, director, Early Childhood Studies.

By working together to keep the quad smoke- and vape-free, we can provide all community members with access to clean air in this outdoor community space.

Focusing on education and awareness

Ryerson's approach to a smoke- and vape-free quad focuses on education and awareness.

We understand that this change will require community members who smoke or vape to move elsewhere, and it’ll take time to fully realize a smoke- and vape-free quad. Raising awareness will be the focus for the first phase of this change. In the coming weeks and months, signage will go up at various points around the quad and staff and students from workplace well-being services, student health and wellness, and security will be working together to help get the word out.

We want to thank community members for their patience as we work towards this goal and ask that community members notify Ryerson Security & Emergency Services if you have a concern about smoking or vaping in Kerr Hall quad.

Enhancing existing rules

The Smoke Free Ontario Act already includes a number of prohibitions about smoking on campus, such as:

• smoking and vaping of any substance inside enclosed Ryerson University buildings, including residences,
• smoking and vaping within nine (9) metres of building entrances and exits, and
• within 20-metres of the Early Learning Centre (ELC) playground is currently already prohibited, as per the Smoke Free Ontario Act.

Under Ryerson’s new policy, smoking and vaping will also be prohibited within nine (9) metres of loading docks, fresh air intakes, and compressed gas storage areas on Ryerson property and in university-owned vehicles.

Please note that Indigenous ceremonial and cultural practices, such as smudging are outside the scope of this policy, and medical accommodations and research are included as exemptions.

For more information about awareness, health and wellness efforts, smoking cessation methods and the approach to enforcement education on the smoke- and vape-free quad please visit https://www.torontomu.ca/smoke-and-vape-free.

If you have any questions about the new policy, please contact Geeta Sharma, director, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at geeta.sharma@torontomu.ca.