Burnaby Smoking and Vaping Bylaws Guide

Public Health and Welfare British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Burnaby, British Columbia regulates smoking and vaping in public places through provincial law and municipal bylaws to protect public health and welfare. This guide summarizes where smoking and vaping are commonly prohibited in Burnaby, how bylaws are enforced, what penalties and appeal options exist, and practical steps for residents, businesses and visitors to comply or report concerns. It draws on official City of Burnaby bylaw resources and provincial tobacco and vapour product regulation to help you understand obligations in parks, public buildings, transit areas and multi-unit housing common areas.

Where smoking and vaping are restricted

Burnaby restricts smoking and vaping in many public spaces either through municipal bylaws or under provincial authority. Common prohibited areas include enclosed public buildings, transit stops, playgrounds and designated smoke-free parks or trails. Always check posted signs and municipal maps for designated smoke-free areas.

  • Enclosed public buildings, including city facilities and indoor workplaces.
  • Transit shelters, bus stops and SkyTrain platform areas.
  • Playgrounds, sports fields and children's play areas in parks.
  • City-designated smoke-free parks, beaches, and trails where signs indicate a ban.
Look for local signage or consult the City of Burnaby regulations before smoking outdoors.

Penalties & Enforcement

Municipal bylaw officers and provincial enforcement officers are responsible for enforcing smoking and vaping restrictions. Specific fine amounts and escalation rules vary by instrument; exact monetary penalties are not specified on the cited municipal pages and should be confirmed on the linked official sources. Enforcement can include tickets, orders to cease the activity, and referral to provincial authorities for offences under provincial statute.

  • Enforcer: City of Burnaby Bylaw Enforcement and provincial tobacco control officers; contact information and complaint procedures are listed on the city website City bylaws[1].
  • Fines: not specified on the cited municipal page; provincial offences and penalties appear under the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act BC Act[2].
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence handling is determined by the issuing authority and the controlling instrument; not specified on the cited municipal page.
  • Non-monetary actions: compliance orders, seizure of items for inspection, and court prosecution for continued non-compliance.
  • Complaints: report to City of Burnaby Bylaw Enforcement via the official complaint/contact page listed in Resources below [1].
If you receive a ticket, follow the instructions on the ticket for payment or appeal promptly.

Applications & Forms

No dedicated provincial or municipal permit to smoke or vape in prohibited public places is published on the cited pages; if a business seeks an exemption it should contact Bylaw Enforcement or the appropriate city department directly for guidance [1].

How to comply and reduce risk

  • Check signage and municipal maps before using outdoor spaces.
  • For private properties, include clear no-smoking clauses in tenancy agreements and building policies.
  • Contact Bylaw Enforcement to confirm rules or report violations [1].
Businesses should post visible no-smoking/no-vaping signs and update policies to match municipal rules.

FAQ

Where can I find the official Burnaby rules on smoking and vaping?
The City of Burnaby bylaw pages and related provincial legislation provide official rules; see the city bylaws page and the provincial Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act for details.[1][2]
Can smoking be allowed on private balconies or within multi-unit buildings?
Restrictions may apply under municipal bylaws and property management rules; many strata and tenancy agreements also impose bans. Contact Bylaw Enforcement or your strata/property manager for specifics.[1]
How do I report someone smoking in a smoke-free park?
Report the incident to City of Burnaby Bylaw Enforcement through the official complaint page; provide location, time and description.

How-To

  1. Locate the exact address or park name and note the time of the incident.
  2. Take photos if safe and lawful to do so, and gather witness details if available.
  3. Submit a complaint to City of Burnaby Bylaw Enforcement via the city website or phone number listed in Resources below.
  4. If issued a ticket, follow payment or appeal instructions on the notice; contact the issuing office for timelines.
Keep records of reports and any correspondence in case you need to follow up or appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • Burnaby enforces smoking and vaping restrictions in many public spaces; check signs and bylaws before smoking.
  • Report violations to City of Burnaby Bylaw Enforcement with location and evidence.
  • Monetary fines and enforcement actions are set by municipal bylaws and provincial law; consult official sources for exact figures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Bylaws & licences
  2. [2] British Columbia Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data