The social housing apartments on Gordon Street in Fergus are already being rented – but smokers may not feel particularly welcome.
County council voted on March 25 to approve a smoke-free policy for all of its social housing units, including the one at 165 Gordon Street.
The no smoking rule is not only for apartments but also common areas, and will also regulate smoking distance from the exterior of the building. The ban includes hallways, the lobby area, elevators, common lounges, patios and balconies.
The committee report stated, “This measure will protect tenants from the increased risk of fire and the known health effects of second hand tobacco smoke, and support the health and safety of tenants, staff and the general public.”
The report stated all units rented as of March 1 were to be rented as smoke-free units, and the lease would include a clause regarding the no-smoking policy. All tenants moving in will have to sign their acknowledgment of the policy as part of their lease. If tenants or their visitors, guests or relatives violate the ban, the lease can be terminated.
Applicants will have to have insurance or their applications will not be processed. If a tenant fails to provide proof of insurance, that could lead to termination of the lease. Finally, “if it is found that a tenant does not have content and liability insurance and cause loss of damage to another person or property, all costs incurred by [the county] will be deemed a charge back including any insurance deductible costs.”
Social services committee chairman Gord Tosh said the ban would apply only to the Gordon Street building “at this time” but he added one reason for it is, “Many clients have health issues.”
No county councillors had any issues with the insurance part of the report, but councillor Lou Maieron wondered if the county was being a little too officious about banning activities in people’s homes. He asked if the county could “look at providing some apartments for people who do smoke. [Pierre] Trudeau wouldn’t go into people’s bedrooms; we’re going into people’s apartments.”
Maieron said he understands the reasons for the ban and did not totally disagree with it, but noted smoking is an addiction, and said, “Smokers need affordable housing as much as anyone else.”
But councillor Bob Wilson said “I applaud the committee for taking this stand.” He added more and more municipalities are also banning smoking from their social housing projects.
Council approved the recommendation.
