Andre Rocher’s first thought upon hearing that his condo building would ban the smoking of marijuana after it’s legalized was that the move would be “very unfair” for homeowners.But Rocher has since changed his mind, after thinking “of those homeowners who bought, say, a million-dollar condo or a $2-million condo, and now their rightful enjoyment of their property is going to be affected.”Bracing for impending legalization of marijuana, condominium properties are starting to enact policies around its use. At least one building has essentially banned smoking pot anywhere on its premises, even on balconies.Rocher’s building, OneEleven Condos, located on Bathurst St. near King St. W., recently banned all smoking in common spaces, on balconies or inside suites, said condo board president Curtis Priest.“It’s not about preventing someone from doing something in their suite,” Priest said. “It’s about putting in place a legal tool that we have to use if issues come up in the future.”Priest clarified that’s it not a cannabis ban; it’s a ban on combustion, including tobacco. Edibles, for example, would be OK upon legalization. According to the province, recreational pot, once legal, will only be permitted for use within private homes. Condo boards can set their own rules around a number of issues and board presidents at OneEleven Condos and another condo, Emerald City One near Don Mills Rd. and Sheppard Ave. E., say rules restricting cannabis use are necessary due to fact that spaces are shared. “Ultimately, it’s because we live in a multi-dwelling condominium and we share air,” said Priest, who noted the policy is meant to serve as a “solid baseline” once marijuana is legalized, which is expected to happen this summer. He said the board can then re-evaluate “what makes the most sense for our community.”Emerald City One board president Andree ...
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