Smokers not welcome in Sault Ste. Marie Housing units

SAULT STE. MARIE - The Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation (SSMHC) will be implementing a Smoke-Free policy in all of its buildings and units effective October 1, 2015.

The SSMHC is applying this policy in the interest of providing a healthier environment for our tenants, guests, staff, and service personnel.

This policy will not affect current tenants with an existing legal lease agreement; all current tenants will be ‘grandfathered’ for the duration of their occupancies.

This policy applies to all new tenants or an existing tenant choosing to move into a new building/unit on or after October 1, 2015.

In line with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, as well as with by-laws enacted by the City of Sault Ste. Marie to protect the public from second-hand smoke, the SSMHC no-smoking policy will provide added benefits which include:

• Reduced risk of fire
• Reduced maintenance, cleaning and move-out costs
• Fewer complaints and health concerns relating to second-hand smoke

The SSMHC recognizes the known human hazards of exposure to second-hand smoke. In an effort to assist tenants who are interested in quitting smoking, the SSMHC has partnered with the Algoma Public Health Unit to offer support programs.

As smoking will still be permitted in ‘grandfathered’ units, it is anticipated the transition to entirely smoke-free buildings (100 percent) will take considerable time.