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City discuss highlights of cannabis open house surveys

The City of Cold Lake discussed the results of the cannabis open house survey, where the public provided feedback on the future retail regulations of the drug.
18.news.CL Cannabis Open House
After months of discussion, the MD of Bonnyville has passed their cannabis consumption bylaw.

The City of Cold Lake discussed the results of the cannabis open house survey, where the public provided feedback on the future retail regulations of the drug.


Using responses from the survey, council was planning on deciding what aspects of the land-use bylaw surrounding the sale of cannabis needed to be amended or discussed further.


“There were very polarizing views from one end to the other in terms of use and how it should be handled within the community. That was anticipated moving into this process,” expressed CAO Kevin Nagoya, adding the debate is past the point of whether or not it will be coming into the community.


“We have to get passed that. Unless there’s a change there (federally), this is upon us,” he said during council’s meeting on Tuesday, May 8.


Of the 33 respondents, seven were residents of the MD of Bonnyville.


Coun. Bob Buckle warned of creating community-wide resolutions off of a “sample size.”


“Drawing conclusions and assumptions from 33 people, we just have to be cautious,” he stated.


When asked, most residents either agreed or strongly agreed with the legalization of cannabis, with only a handful either strongly against or disagreeing.


“There were some people against the use of cannabis and cannabis being legalized,” noted Nagoya.


All of the respondents agreed having a setback from schools, daycares, hospitals, and public spaces was needed, but not all saw eye-to-eye when it comes to the distance.


Seven out of 17 residents think the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) required minimum of  100-metres was enough, while three residents wanted to see a 200-metre setback. For one resident, a 1,000-metre setback was more suitable.


“You can see the majority of people have said the 100-metre setback, which is mandated by legislation. That’s the number most people seem to land on,”Nagoya said.


Although all residents believe a buffer zone between a cannabis retailer and a public space is necessary, not all were sold on the idea of having one outlet next to another.


Twenty survey participants didn’t think there was a need for a buffer zone from one cannabis retail location to a similar business, while 13 thought there should be. When it came to liquor stores, 25 respondents didn’t mind them being right next door to a recreational cannabis outlet, while seven did.


Other areas residents felt council needed to consider for a buffer zone were senior’s housing and churches.


Nagoya mapped out the potential issues the city could face, should they include places of worship in their buffer-required list.


“Of course, if you did, that, I know in the downtown core of Cold Lake there are a few areas of worship that would impact this,” he noted.


Respondents felt a uniform set of criteria for potential retail stores would be enough, with 21 supporting the idea. The remainder believed council should approve retail outlets on an individual-basis.


“It was a hard question to ask. Sometimes I wonder if the community understands the difference… that’s why I tried to keep it simple. There’s advantages and fall downs between each type (of situation),” explained Nagoya.


It was a split vote as to whether council should restrict the number of cannabis retailers in the city limits. Sixteen were in favour, with the no limit taking the majority at 17.


Nagoya stressed that the issue before council was specifically regarding recreational cannabis retail within Cold Lake.


“Right now, the land-use bylaw is moving ahead, probably sooner in time than the rest of the bylaws, knowing that we do have people interested in developing these outlets and are currently in works with AGLC in their requirements.”


This is why, he said, it’s vital the city focus on the retail-end of it.


After reviewing the feedback, council hosted a public hearing.


Because it has already passed first reading, the city is required to garner the public’s concerns before moving forward.


No one in attendance at the meeting voiced any opposition to the way the current bylaw sits.


The topic will come back to council for further discussion and for the second and final reading of the land-use bylaw.


Nagoya said, “Overall, there are varying views of it.”

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