Maple Ridge, BC: Council has passed a bylaw amendment banning additional vape retail stores in Maple Ridge, effective immediately. The ban will serve to protect the health of local youth and aid efforts to revitalize the downtown core.
Currently, there are three vaping stores in the community, all of which are located in the town centre area. Under the amended bylaw, these outlets will be grandfathered with legal, nonconforming status. Provincially-licensed tobacco retailers that sell vaping products will also be unaffected.
“Council is once again acting in the interest of community safety to protect young people from these addictive, damaging products,” said Mayor Mike Morden. “In addition, this prohibition will promote new, open storefronts in our downtown that align with our Town Centre Area Plan.”
City staff solicited input from a wide variety of stakeholders, including the Fraser Health Authority and School District No. 42. A public hearing was held in March.
This decision comes as a variety of governing bodies continue to raise concerns regarding the
negative impacts of vaping. In 2019, the Union of BC Municipalities passed a resolution focused
on limiting marketing and sales of vaping products to youth. Meanwhile, a 2020 report by
Vancouver Coastal Health revealed a surge in vaping among youth aged 16 to 19.
Media contact:
Mick Ramos
604-467-7315
communications@mapleridge.ca