The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) works in partnership with schools to support healthy, safe, smoke-free and vape-free learning environments.
Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017), smoking and vaping of tobacco, vapour products, and cannabis are prohibited on school property at all times, including within 20 metres of school grounds. The health unit support schools by providing education, consultation, resources, and compliance assistance related to smoking and vaping concerns.
On this page, you will find information about:
- School responsibilities under the SFOA, 2017
- The School Witness Report process
- Health unit supports and resources
- Youth vaping prevention and cessation resources
- Ordering smoke-free and vape-free signage
Supporting Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Schools
Schools play an important role in preventing tobacco and vapour product use among youth and promoting healthy behaviours. The health unit supports schools by:
- Providing information and guidance related to the SFOA, 2017
- Supporting schools in addressing smoking and vaping concerns
- Offering education and cessation resources for students and families
- Assisting with compliance and enforcement requirements when needed
- Providing smoke-free and vape-free signage
Schools are encouraged to address incidents through their existing school and board procedures, including progressive discipline approaches, parent or guardian engagement, counselling support, and referrals to cessation or addiction services where appropriate.
When additional support is needed, school administrators may contact the health unit or submit a School Witness Report.
School Witness Report
The School Witness Report helps the health unit understand and follow up on smoking or vaping concerns occurring on or near school property.
Information provided through the report helps determine the most appropriate next steps, which may include education, consultation, warnings, inspections, or enforcement activities where required.
Before You Submit
- Use school and board processes and student support services before requesting health unit involvement.
- Complete and submit the form in one session whenever possible, as information may be lost if you leave the page before submitting it.
- Submit only one report per incident.
- Reports are accepted only for schools within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka.
After Submission
- You will receive an email confirmation that your report has been received.
- Reports are reviewed in the order they are received.
- A Tobacco Enforcement Officer will follow up if additional information or action is required.
Most concerns are resolved through education, collaboration, and progressive intervention.
Completing a School Witness Report
Providing clear, factual information helps health unit staff determine appropriate follow-up. When documenting an incident, consider the 5 Ws:
Who?
- Who was involved?
- How was the student's identify confirmed?
- Were there witnesses?
What?
- What did you observe?
- Include relevant sights, sounds, smells, behaviours, or conversations.
Where?
- Where did the incident occur?
- Be as specific as possible.
When?
- Date and approximate time of the incident.
Why?
- Any additional context that may be helpful, such as repeated incidents or ongoing concerns.
Writing Your Statement
Describe what you directly observed and any actions you took. Statements may be written in the first person and should focus on factual observations rather than assumptions or conclusions.
Example:
On March 10, 2026, at approximately 1:15 PM, I observed a student vaping in the student washroom adjacent to the library. I advised the student that vaping is not permitted on school property and escorted them to the administration office in accordance with school procedures. The student's identity was confirmed using school records, and school administration was notified.
Health Unit Follow-Up
Following receipt of a School Witness Report, a Tobacco Enforcement Officer may consult with school staff to determine appropriate next steps.
Depending on the circumstances, follow-up may include:
- Education and awareness
- Consultation with school staff
- Written warnings
- Inspections
- Enforcement measures, where appropriate
Health unit staff work collaboratively with schools throughout the process and are available to answer questions and provide guidance.
Young Persons (Ages 12-16)
Additional considerations apply when addressing incidents involving students aged 12 to 16.
Before enforcement options are considered, Tobacco Enforcement Program staff will consult with the school to review:
- Previous school-based interventions
- Progressive discipline measures
- Student support that has been offered or provided
- Opportunities to involve parents or guardians
- Access to cessation, addiction, or mental health resources
The goal is to support student health and well-being while encouraging compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.
Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Signs
Schools are required to post smoke-free and vape-free signs at entrances, exits, washrooms, and other designated locations on school property.
Signs are available at no cost through the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
To Order Signs
- Contact the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520
- Submit an online request through our Contact Form
- Speak with your Tobacco Enforcement Officer
Additional Resources
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offers resources to support:
- Youth vaping prevention
- Tobacco and nicotine cessation
- Substance use prevention and harm reduction
- Parent and family education
- School-based health promotion initiatives
For additional information or support, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
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