Huron County Housing has expanded its smoke-free policy for public housing.
Back in July 2016, Huron County Housing Services implemented a smoke-free policy that prohibited smoking inside all buildings, which included private units, balconies, and patios, as well as banning smoking within 5 metres of building entrances and windows.
In the approval made on Wednesday, that policy now also includes vaping under the rules.
Tenants who had signed their leases prior to July 1, 2016 were exempt from the rules as long as they stayed living in the same unit, and as of December 2023, 47% of Huron County Housing and seniors apartment leases are designated smoke-free.
The purpose of the smoke-free and vape-free policies are to create a healthier environment for all tenants, visitors, and staff.
It was also found that there were lower maintenance expenses for the county for unit turnovers, as there were savings in extra coats of blocker and paint, as well as a reduction in the need to replace smoke-damaged fixtures.