In light of the provincial government’s introduction of legislation regarding the use of Cannabis, Niagara College has updated its on-campus smoking policy on an interim basis to reflect provincial legislation, which allows the smoking of cannabis only where the smoking of tobacco is permitted.
Under this interim policy, the smoking of cannabis will not be permitted on campus grounds, except in designated areas. The College’s longstanding policy for on campus smoking will be updated to include the smoking of cannabis, and align with provincial legislation. Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs) exist at both the Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses. For DSA locations, please consult campus maps. Using cannabis on Niagara College’s campuses in any space other than a DSA is against college policy, municipal bylaws and provincial law.
Niagara College’s policy reflects a desire to provide a learning environment and workplace that promotes mutual respect, health and well being, while complying with municipal, provincial and federal laws and regulations.
While the use of recreational cannabis is legal in Canada as of October 17, 2018, the college’s expectations and policies regarding conduct remain unchanged. As we strive to provide a safe and respectful learning environment, any impairment or disruption in classrooms, labs, offices or any public spaces on campus will be addressed via existing policies governing conduct and behaviour on campus. Employees are not permitted to attend work while impaired.
Niagara College also encourages the safe use of cannabis. If you have questions regarding cannabis safety, please visit the Student Health, Wellness and Accessibility offices at the Welland (AH125) or Niagara-on-the-Lake (W102) campuses. For questions regarding the use of cannabis on campus, please contact Campus Safety or Student Services.
While the college has done its best to anticipate how the legalization of recreational cannabis may affect campus life, this is new territory for institutions like ours. We will monitor the situation very closely, and respond appropriately or adapt our policies should unforeseen issues arise.
