Dear Urban Diplomat: Should I call the cops on my neighbour’s pot-smoking offspring?
Dear Urban Diplomat,
I live on a nice street, surrounded by friendly young families, but the other half of our semi is rented by a mom with two troublesome teens. They apologize when we bring up the loud music on weeknights, broken glass in the alley and dog poop on our lawn, but they constantly smoke up on their porch. Now, if I ever open a window, my house smells like it’s been hot-boxed. I’m pregnant and have two kids, so the exposure is unwelcome. Should I report them—it’s illegal, after all—or find another way to discourage them while keeping things friendly?
—Pot and Bothered, Leaside
Nothing sours neighbourly relations like a police drop-in, so it’s best to go another way. Try prodding them toward a more agreeable weed-smoking ritual. Ask them (the kids, not the mom) if they’d kindly smoke on the far side of the house, instead of the porch, and remind them of the dangers of second-hand stoning for your kids. They might be shocked and start keeping their smoking on the down-low, or they might even go with your suggestion. But if they ignore you, shutting a window may be your only peaceful solution.
Send your questions to the Urban Diplomat at urbandiplomat@torontolife.com
