Brampton Transit No Smoking Regulations

Smoking is not allowed on Brampton Transit buses, at terminals and inside bus shelters. This restriction applies to:

Traditional cigarettes (all forms of lit tobacco products);
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes and other similar type vapour producing devices); and
Cannabis (lit or vapourized).

This restriction applies to all City of Brampton staff and members of the public, and includes all transit terminal property, platforms and shelters, whether leased or owned, at the following locations:

Brampton Gateway Terminal, 501 Main St. S. (Ward 4)
Downtown Terminal, 8 Nelson St. (Ward 5)
Bramalea Terminal, 160 Central Park Dr. (Ward 8)
Trinity Common Terminal, 164 Great Lakes Dr. (Ward 9)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I call for more information regarding the No Smoking restrictions in the Transit By-Law?

Prior to contacting the City, please read through the FAQ’s provided here. These FAQ’s provide answers to the most commonly asked questions.

After reading through the FAQ’s, should you still have questions, please contact Customer Service at:
E-mail: transit@brampton.ca
Telephone: 905.874.2999
TTY: 905.874.2130

Should you wish to provide comments regarding the Transit By-law, click here to fill in the online comment form.

What are the laws in place that restrict smoking in the city of Brampton?

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, The Region of Peel’s Outdoor Smoking By-law and The City of Brampton’s Transit By-law #82-2008, as amended by the No Smoking By-law # 138-2014.

Smoke-Free Ontario Act
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 is designed to protect the health of all Ontarians by prohibiting smoking in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places (including all bus shelters) in Ontario as of May 31, 2006. Effective October 17, 2018, with the federal legalization of cannabis, amendments were made to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (per Bill 36 and the Cannabis Act, 2017) that prohibit places where cannabis may be consumed.

For enforcement:
Contact the Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 and ask to speak with a Public Health Inspector.

Region of Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law
The Region of Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law #20-2013 prohibits smoking (as of September 2, 2013) within nine (9) metres of playground areas, outdoor recreational facilities, and entrances and exits to municipal buildings. This also includes bus terminals.

For enforcement:
Contact the Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 and ask to speak with a Public Health Inspector.

City of Brampton’s Transit By-law #82-2008
Transit By-law #82-2008 prohibits the smoking of all forms of tobacco products (e.g. cigarettes, cigars, pipes), the use of electronic cigarettes (e.g. e-cigarettes, personal vaporizers, all other similar devices), and the smoking of cannabis (including the vaping of cannabis) on Brampton Transit buses and the entire property at all Brampton Transit Terminal locations.

Who do I notify if I see someone smoking on a terminal platform, and wish to report it?

If you feel comfortable doing so, politely let the person know that the Brampton Transit By-law prohibits smoking in the area.

You can also report the violation:

Discretely point out the offender to Corporate Security on site at the Terminal location;
Report the incident to an Operations Supervisor or Transit Service Centre employee on-site;
Call the City of Brampton's Corporate Security at 311 or 905.874.2111 (ask for a Security Dispatcher); or
Call the City of Brampton's Bylaw Enforcement at 311 or 905.458.3424 (ask for an Enforcement Dispatcher).

What are the penalties for smoking in prohibited areas?

City of Brampton Corporate Security will enforce the Transit by-law for all conduct infractions (e.g. consuming alcohol, spitting, swearing, etc.) by way of the Trespass to Property Act.
Peel Regional Police will respond to the location as deemed necessary and if a crime is being committed.

Two verbal warnings for being caught smoking on Brampton Transit property will be given. Upon a third warning, offenders will face a Trespass Ban from Transit property. The ban could range from a one-day ban from a single Transit facility to a suspension of a year or more from all Transit facilities and bus service for a minimum period of one year. Individuals in violation of the Trespass Ban could also face charges laid by the Peel Regional Police.

The Region of Peel can give tickets and fines to people who break the law under the Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law and the Ontario Smoke Free Act. If charged under the Region of Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law, the fine could range from $250 to $5,000.

Where is smoking illegal under the City of Brampton Transit By-law?

Under the City of Brampton Transit By-law, no person is permitted to smoke tobacco or cannabis products (e.g. cigarettes, cigars, pipes, bubblers, bongs) or use electronic cigarettes (whether or not such device may contain nicotine or cannabis) on any Brampton Transit vehicle or property. This includes all outdoor areas within nine (9) metres of an entrance door, or any other outdoor space on the property including all platforms, whether covered or not.

Where are people permitted to smoke while waiting for their bus?

Smoking is not permitted at the Terminals, or on the platforms. Those that wish to smoke must do so outside the restricted areas (off property).

Where are the designated smoking areas at the Terminals, for people that smoke?

There are no designated smoking areas at the Terminals. The Transit By-law covers the entire Terminal property; those wishing to smoke must do so outside the restricted areas (off property).
To view the restricted areas at each Terminal, click on the Terminal names at the top of this webpage.

Can I have cannabis in my possession while in public/travelling on a bus?

Yes, more info on the legalization of recreational cannabis can be obtained by visiting:

Does the ban just apply to cigarettes?

No. The by-law applies to all forms of tobacco and cannabis (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, bubblers, bongs etc.) and electronic cigarettes (e.g., e-cigarettes, personal vaporizers or any similar device) whether or not the device contains nicotine and/or cannabis.

Are there signs posted to show where smoking is illegal?

Signs are posted at all Terminals throughout Brampton. However, smoking is illegal on Terminal property even if there is no sign posted.

Are there any exceptions to the By-law?

Yes. The various smoking legislation/by-laws do not currently apply to uncovered bus stops on-street. Brampton Transit requests passengers who choose to smoke at uncovered bus stops to do so at a distance of nine (9) metres or greater away from the bus stop. By doing so, you will be helping to protect all passengers from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Are Brampton Transit employees permitted to smoke on the platforms?

No. The smoking restriction applies to all members of the public including City of Brampton employees. Our employees are supportive of the By-law, however, should an employee contravene the by-law then he/she will be subject to disciplinary action.

Where can I get additional information and/or copies the various smoke-free by-laws/legislation?

Please visit the following online resources:

Brampton Transit By-law #82-2008
Brampton Transit By-law #138-2014: Contact the City Clerk’s Office by calling 3-1-1 to obtain a copy of the by-law.

Region of Peel Outdoor Smoking Info

Region of Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law #20-2013

Smoke-Free Ontario

Smoke-Free Legislation: Act and Regulation

Why has the Province of Ontario, the Region of Peel, and the City of Brampton prohibited smoking in public places?

According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, smoking is the number one cause of death and disease in Ontario. It kills 13,000 people every year. The province has developed a comprehensive Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy which combines public education with programs, policies and legislation to:
protect non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke, help smokers to quit, and encourage young people to never start smoking.

Why is Brampton Transit restricting smoking on transit property, including the platforms?

The City’s Transit By-law builds on the intent of established legislation such as the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and Region of Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law. By restricting smoking at the Terminals, City Council is ensuring that the harmful effects of second-hand smoke are minimized for the public and improving the customer experience while travelling on Brampton Transit.

Why the need for a separate Brampton Transit by-law? Doesn’t the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law already prohibit smoking at the Terminals?

No. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking in enclosed public places such as the inside of any place, building or structure or vehicle that is covered by a roof, and to which the public is ordinarily invited or permitted access. This covers all bus shelters.

The Region of Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law prohibits smoking within a nine (9) metre radius of a playground area or perimeter of a playground area, a nine (9) metre radius of an outdoor recreational facility or the perimeter of an outdoor recreational facility, or within a nine (9) metre radius of an entrance or exit of a municipal building. This covers Brampton Gateway Terminal and Bramalea Terminal, as the City of Brampton owns the land and buildings on these properties. However, it does not cover Downtown Terminal or Trinity Terminal as the City leases the land and/or structures upon the land on this property and is therefore not covered under the Region of Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law. The City of Brampton’s Transit By-law#138-2014, covers all Transit Terminal property, whether owned or leased by the City for the purposes of operating Brampton Transit.

If I make a complaint, will my name and contact information be kept confidential?

Yes. Your contact information (name, phone number, etc.) will be kept confidential. It is important to leave this information when you register a complaint in the event that staff need additional information from you.

Have any other Transit agencies in the Greater Toronto Area adopted similar smoking by-laws at Terminals?

Yes. GO Transit, Toronto Transit Commission, MiWay and York Region Transit have all adopted legislation/by-laws that restrict smoking on transit property. In addition to the Region of Peel, over 70 municipalities in Ontario regulate outdoor smoking.

Is there public support for by-laws restricting smoking in public spaces?

Yes, a 2011 survey of Peel residents shows strong support for smoke-free public areas. Of those surveyed:

88% support a by-law making playgrounds smoke-free
85% support a by-law making outdoor sports fields and spectator areas smoke free
90% support a by-law restricting smoking at entrances/exits to workplaces and public places

I am the owner of a private business. Can I have my property included in the by-law?

No, at this time the by-law applies to Brampton Transit Terminal properties, whether owned or leased and occupied by the City.

I want to quit smoking. Is there any help available?

Yes. You can contact:

Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333
Smoke Free Peel Region
Your health care professional (e.g., doctor, pharmacist)