While recreational cannabis has been legal since October 17th, the province only allows on-line sales. On April 1, 2019, the province allows the legal operation of retail cannabis stores. At the same time, the government agreed that towns could opt-out or permit retail cannabis stores.
The deadline to opt-in or out is January 22, 2019. Municipalities that choose to opt-out can opt back in at any time – but that decision is final.
Oakville town council has a decision to make. Should the town opt-in or out? If the town opts out, individuals continue buying cannabis online, or on April 1st from a cannabis retail store in a municipality that opted-in.
Should Oakville opt-in or out? Share your thoughts with council.
On Monday December 17, 2018, Council received a report highlighting cannabis licensing regulations. It also included retail store information.
The next step, council debates and decides if the town opts-in or out at the January 14th Planning and Development meeting.
The meeting takes place in the Halton Regional Centre Council Chamber located at 1151 Bronte Road (just north of the QEW) at 7 p.m.
Have your say
Prior to the January 14th meeting provide feedback. You can also provide feedback at the meeting by registering as a delegate or emailing the town clerk at [email protected]. To register as a delegate email [email protected] or call 905-815-6015.
“Please share your thoughts and concerns with Town Council on whether Oakville should be opting-in or opting-out of having cannabis retail stores in our community,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “We value your opinion and want to make an informed decision when we consider a report and vote on January 14.”
Support for Towns
Over two years, the Ontario government will provide $40 million to help municipalities with the implementation costs of recreational cannabis legalization. Additional funding is approved to those municipalities who opt-in.
Retail Cannabis Stores and the AGCO
The location and operation of these private stores will be under the control of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). AGCO regulates gaming and alcohol sales in the province. This private retail model launches April 1, 2019.
The province isn’t allowing municipalities to regulate the locations of cannabis stores through zoning rules, nor can it limit the number of stores.
Rules for Retail Cannabis Stores:
- 150-metre buffer between the retail stores and schools
- undergo an AGCO pre-inspection
- display a provincial authorization sticker
- restrict sales to adults 19 years and older
- stores can be open between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
- maximum number of stores per operator set at 75
Due to national cannabis supply shortages, only 25 licences will be issued to private retailers in Ontario for April 1, 2019. An AGCO lottery system determines who receives licences.
“There are many factors to consider and there are a wide range of opinions from members of the public. We want you to bring your questions, concerns, and opinions on this issue forward. Email the town, or speak to us on January 14,” added Mayor Burton.
Residents can learn more by visiting oakville.ca