BANFF – Those caught smoking or vaping pot in public places within the Banff townsite will be given a first time warning before being hit with a $100 fine.
Recreational cannabis use becomes legal in Canada on Oct. 17, but public consumption will be banned in public places within the Banff townsite, restricting use to private residences and properties.
To help enforce the rules, council approved $6,800 for new software to improve the bylaw department’s current handheld ticketing system, allowing for a database to be checked to see if individuals have been charged or warned in the past.
Mayor Karen Sorensen said Banff plays host to millions of visitors from around the world and has a population of seasonal workers, which means people can’t be expected to know all the rules instantly.
“We put our regulations in place for cannabis and so I think enforcement is important, but this also allows for a first time warning,” she said.
“This software can also be used for enforcing other bylaws, so that added value to the purchase for me.”
The Town’s bylaw services department currently owns and uses a handheld ticketing system set up with applications used for parking enforcement.
Like the parking system, the new software would allow bylaw to access a central database to cross reference names to determine if individuals have been previously warned or charged for specific offences before.
“This type of system has great added value as it can be used to enforce our entire spectrum of bylaws,” said Tony Clark, bylaw supervisor for the Town of Banff.
Parks Canada is sill mum on its plan for cannabis use and retail in Banff National Park.
