Creating a physical environment that supports health and wellbeing is key to activating the Okanagan Charter at UBC. Implementing designated smoke-and-vape-free areas around our campuses is just one way that the University is transforming its built and natural environment to create a happier, healthier campus community. To learn more about UBC's policy informing smoking and vaping on campus, visit UBC Smoking/Vaping Policy (SC2).
Health Precinct Smoke-Free Area
Tobacco, cannabis and vaping products contain many harmful carcinogens that negatively impact health and wellbeing. Led by Campus + Community Planning, a number of departments and stakeholders collaborated to implement a health-precinct smoke-and-vape-free area, furthering UBC’s commitment to wellbeing of our people and places, and ensuring that visitors to our hospital and surrounding buildings have access to an environment that supports their healing.
The “health precinct” was recommended as a site for a smoke-free area; this informal precinct, where several health-affiliated buildings are situated, is an ideal location because it expands on the UBC Hospital and Vancouver Coastal Health’s existing smoke and vape-free zone policies, while also aligning with the health-related research and services that take place within the buildings.
The smoke-and-vape-free boundary is bordered by Agronomy Road, University Boulevard, Wesbrook Mall, and East Mall and will extend to the edge of the sidewalk closest to the hospital site. Smoking is permitted outside of this smoke-free area, as long as it is not in buildings, bus shelters, inside university vehicles, or within eight meters of doors and air-intake vents,
It is particularly important that this area exemplify good health practices, because people go there to heal and get well. Providing equitable access to healthy green spaces for patients and visitors, and preventing second hand smoke exposure will help promote their wellbeing.
Library Garden Smoke-Free Area
The revitalization of Library Garden was integrated with the process to design the Indian Residential Schools History and Dialogue Centre, which is situated within the gardens. This space was planned and designed with human health and wellbeing in mind.
Library Garden was designated smoke-free as part of its planning and design process under the SITES Rating System for Sustainable Land Design and Development. This rating system is used to define sustainable landscapes, measure how they are performing, and elevate the value of the landscapes as a result of their sustainable features. UBC is seeking SITES designation for Library Garden.
Under section 6 of SITES, Human Health and Wellbeing is outlined as a consideration in design, with minimizing exposure to smoke specifically noted as consideration in SITES designation. Campus + Community Planning took this into account when designing Library Garden, and the space was designed to be smoke-free to support the health and wellbeing of our community members and provide them a relaxing space for quiet contemplation.
