In or out: Newmarket residents sit on both sides of fence on cannabis stores
Yorkregion.com
December 20, 2018
Teresa Latchford
Michael Morgan wants to be the first to open a cannabis retail store in Newmarket.
The catch is, he has to wait for the town to decide whether it will be opting in or out of allowing such stores to operate within the municipality. The Aurora resident recently sat in on a public information session hosted by the Town of Newmarket.
“Having retail stores in town is not going to change consumption levels,” he said. “It actually creates an opportunity for people to speak to someone who knows cannabis, the types and strengths rather than guessing when you order online.”
Another perk, according to Morgan, is the stores would have to be licenced and the product would be regulated.
Deborah Denuzzo also supports having stores located in town since it could pushout the “black market” that sells unregulated product.
But not everyone agrees.
Enrong Qian is concerned about retail stores making it easier for children and youth to access cannabis.
“I would like to see stricter regulations and checks when it comes to proving age before purchase,” he added. “I don’t support having these stores in our town.”
A whiteboard full of sticky notes indicated many residents are encouraging the town to pass on the retail stores.
Town of Newmarket Planner Ted Horton gave a formal presentation to walk residents through the background, town’s role, next steps and public input opportunities.
“We are not here to discuss the full breadth of cannabis legislation,” he began. “We will be focused on the town’s role and what falls under municipal jurisdiction.”
However, there are a few things the public should know as town council faces the decision, according to Horton.
During the presentation, he highlighted:
- Municipalities cannot use zoning or licencing to limit, prohibit or regulate retail cannabis locations
- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will licence private retailers after a public notice process, background check and inspections
- Stores cannot be located in an ‘opt out’ municipality, within 150 metres of a school, must be stand alone, can only sell federally approved cannabis accessories and operate between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- Academic studies from the U.S. conclude there is no relation between retail cannabis stores and decreasing property values or increased crime
- Opting in would mean the province will grant Newmarket $37,608 to offset any related costs (i.e. bylaw enforcement) the first year and $37,608 the second but if it opts out, the second year will drop to $5,000 and is not entitled to any excise revenues
- If Newmarket opts out, it can choose to opt in later but can’t opt out later if it opts in
Residents can see the full presentation or complete the feedback survey until Dec. 28 at Newmarket.ca.
Next steps:
Dec. 28-Online surveys for public closes
Jan. 7-Special committee of the whole, 7 p.m., council chambers
Jan. 22-Deadline for decision to allow or not allow private retail stores in Newmarket
Early 2019-Amend parks bylaw to address cannabis smoking
April 1, Retail cannabis is permitted in Ontario
