With Oct. 17, and the enactment of the Cannabis Act just around the corner, Eckville Town Council has begun to strategically implement a plan to deal with the legalization of cannabis.
With an amendment to an existing by-law that will now allow the Town to include cannabis retail in its land use definitions, Eckville has taken the first step toward preparing for the eventual legalization.
Next, Council will propose a further amendment to the by-law that would allow for discretionary use as defined in the Cannabis Act. Once Council approves the amendment then a suitable area will be delegated for retail purposes.
The town has two commercial districts that could accommodate a cannabis retail location, Central Business Commercial (CR1), and Highway Commercial (CR2).
However, the business must operate within the definitions of the Cannabis Act and there are a number of restrictions, both federally (Bill-45) and provincially (Bill-26).
There will also be restrictions based on the terms of licenses as implemented by the Alberta Gaming Liquor Commission (AGLC).
One restriction in particular, the proximity of schools to the cannabis retial location, would eliminate one block of main street.
Currently, 300 meters has been mandated as the required distance between cannabis retail shops to community centres and schools.
“There are so many possible regulations coming down, federally and provincially I think at this point some need to be shaken out,” Jack Ramsden, Eckville’s chief administrative officer said.
As there is currently no accommodation for cannabis retial in the Town by-laws, perspective cannabis shop owners will have to wait to apply for their development permits.
“We have tried to prepare for the legalization, of which the first step was to change the by-law to allow for new definitions but, as of yet, there is no place were you can operate a retail location,” Ramsden said.
As with many municipalities, Eckville Town Council has concerns and reservations regarding the legalization and, while wishing to remain a progressive community, are cautious in their approach to the highly contentious issue.
“It’s really up to Council to decide what they want to do. Are we going to put it in as discretionary use and have a provision for it, or, do we want people to drive to the next town to get their cannabis? Council has to decide,” Ramsden said.