Innisfil council to consider restricting where you can consume cannabis in town

Yorkregion.com
April 9, 2019
Shane MacDonald

It looks like the only place Innisfil residents will be able to consume cannabis in town will be on their private properties.

Town staff is recommending council amend the town’s smoking bylaw at an April 10 meeting.

Staff said in a report to council that the restriction reflects comments received through a public survey where residents felt the consumption of cannabis should be restricted the same was as alcohol.

Under the Smoke Free Ontario Act, consumption of cannabis and tobacco is currently restricted nine metres from medical facilities and restaurant patios, and 20 metres from the perimeter of playgrounds, sports fields, schools and recreational facilities.

The town’s smoking bylaw can further expand those restrictions.

Markham, Richmond Hill, Essa, Shelburne and Orangeville have all added restrictions to the consumption of cannabis through their municipal bylaws, staff notes.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has the authority to enforce the Smoke Free Ontario Act, but the town’s bylaw enforcement officers would enforce any further restrictions imposed by the town.

There have not been any complaints related to the consumption of cannabis on town property since legalization.