Despite legalization, the impact of cannabis leaves more questions than answers.
Council defeated the motion for an amendment to the land use bylaw for cannabis retail stores by a split vote.
The motion would see a separation distance from the property line of a sensitive use area to a cannabis store of 100 meters.
Councillor Mike Allen said the need for consistency, which means treating cannabis like alcohol, influenced the motion.
“Consistency to our land use bylaws: Make it consistent with liquor stores, because I’m concerned that we may be sterilizing opportunity or certain areas, where there could be [an] opportunity for economic development.”
As administration presented their findings from the public information sessions, the Council had many more unanswered questions.
Weed freeze
Alberta Liquor Gaming and Cannabis (ALGC) granted 75 licenses for cannabis retail stores since the legalization of cannabis.
However, due to the supply shortage, there are no walk-in stores currently in operation in the province.
So long as the “freeze” is in place, it renders the impact of the amendment to the land use bylaw irrelevant, according to Mayor Don Scott.
“It’s not to do with our rules and regulations. It’s because other levels of government have put a freeze in place, so there’s no cannabis even available right now.”
Allen said the motion was a living document, but councillor Verna Murphy countered the bylaw requires evaluation, which can’t happen during a freeze.
As a matter of fact, municipalities had to re-evaluate their bylaws after supplies reached their jurisdictions.
Protecting children
All the councillors agree to protect children and sensitive areas like schools, daycares, rehabilitation centres, and medical facilities safe are the top priority.
Wood Buffalo residents generated over 2700 survey responses with over 3000 direct interactions at the public engagement sessions.
“From my own perspective, I wanted to make sure we were protecting young people.” Said Mayor Don Scott. “That was one factor, and I wanted to make sure we had significant distances in place. That’s very consistent with what we had for feedback when we did our surveys.”
Summarily, 79% of those surveyed wanted the minimum distance extended to public spaces.
As for the future of the land use bylaw, it is in doubt.
Councillor Peddle pointed out Council debated the motion for almost seven months only to split the vote.
Council Happenings
Council approved to have feasibility studies for Shell Place and a possible, all-weather structure downtown to serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization.
After taking a bite out of the municipal debt, the council voted unanimously for administration to research into the development of a transit app.
Proclamations
March 31, 2019, is the International Transgender Day of Visibility.
On hand for the ceremony were members of Pride YMM, who are committed to raising awareness and promoting unity, inclusion, and fostering belonging in the LGBTQ+ community.
Also, Mayor Don Scott proclaimed April 7, 2019, as Green Shirt Day in Wood Buffalo.
The day highlights organ donor awareness and registration.
It also serves to commemorate the life of Humboldt Bronco and organ donor Logan Boulet.
Boulet was one of 16 killed in the horrific bus crash.
His sacrifice led to the saving of six lives and inspired 100,000 to register as organ donors.
