Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter

Where you can smoke, you can toke in Lethbridge (almost)

Oct 15, 2018 | 6:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE – As of 12:01 a.m. October 17, under provincial regulations you’ll be able to smoke or vape cannabis not only in your home, but in other public spaces in Lethbridge, generally where smoking tobacco is allowed.

The exception will be in vehicles, except those being used as temporary residences, like a parked RV. Smoking pot will also be prohibited at any cannabis retail store.

While some municipalities like Taber have banned cannabis consumption anywhere but in a private residence, the City of Lethbridge will allow it, pending public feedback.

“It’s probably going to be the same as smoking cigarettes. It will be complaint based.” says Mayor Chris Spearman. “If people are inconveniencing others, generating complaints, it will be responded to…I would expect the police will respond.”

According to provincial legislation, smoking or vaping of cannabis will be restricted from places where tobacco is restricted. That includes a prescribed distance from playgrounds, sports fields, skateboard or skate parks, zoos, outdoor theatres, and pools. Smoking is not allowed on hospital property, school property or on the property of a child care facility.

Lethbridge College has also banned consumption of cannabis on campus, but students may possess it if it’s in a sealed container.

The provincial government said Monday, that it will provide $11.2 million over the next two to municipalities with their own police forces and populations over 5,000 to offset some of the cost of increased policing. How much of that will go to Lethbridge, is unclear says Spearman.

“Certainly, there will be increased policing costs to ensure that laws are complied with and the cost of saliva tests and other forms. We can’t bear those costs within our existing budgets. They’re going to be significant. And so, it’s a welcome sign that the province of Alberta is going to be providing funding relief to municipalities.”

Spearman says he wants to make sure the City applies for the funding assistance and that it gets its fair share.

That said, if someone does have a complaint about smoking in public, don’t expect extra bylaw officers or police to jump in right away. At Monday’s council meeting, the subject of enforcement was brought up.

As per the City of Lethbridge’s website concerns about suspected violations of rules regarding public consumption of cannabis or the sale of cannabis to minors should be directed to the AGLC at 1-800-272-8876.

If anyone has concerns about suspected underage possession or consumption of cannabis or illegal trafficking, then that should be reported to Lethbridge Police.

For more information about the laws, rules and regulations concerning cannabis, go to

https://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/Pages/Cannabis.aspx#government