Non-smokers can change strata bylaws

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. and Yukon commissioned  BC Stats to conduct a survey of British Columbians living in condominiums and apartments about their experiences with second-hand smoke.

The survey found that while most British Columbians are protected from exposure to second-hand smoke at work and in public places, more than 200,000 residents in condominiums and apartments are being exposed to unwanted smoke infiltrating their homes.  This is an alarming trend given that the majority of British Columbians (85 per cent) are non-smokers and that multi-unit households make up close to forty percent of all residences in B.C.  For more info on survey highlights.....click here

Source text: Smoke-Free Housing BC

Any strata council can implement non-smoking bylaws if three-quarters of the voting members of the strata vote in favour of the change at an Annual General Meeting or Special Meeting.....Read more

Source text: Vancouver Courier

Here are some useful links for strata corporations!

Smoke Free Housing B.C.

Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C.

Professional Association of Managing Agents

Provincial government's Financial Institutions Commission for guides on a range of issues and topics found in the Strata Property Act

BC Strata Property Act

Clean Air Coalition of BC

Non-Smokers' Rights Association

Canada Mortage and Housing Corporation for useful tips on addressing indoor air quality issues in apartments

US Indoor Envirnoment Engineering for information on how to reduce second-hand exposure in multi-unit dwellings