CENTRE WELLINGTON – It might be a while yet until cannabis is available in retail locations in the township.
Despite acknowledging the economic opportunities and benefits, a report from the township's Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee is recommending the township not permit retail cannabis stores until their location and numbers can be controlled by the township.
Council previously voted to defer the issue to the Economic Prosperity & Growth Advisory Committee for review before it returns to council for a final decision.
If the township chooses to opt-in, a cannabis store would be permitted anywhere zoned for retail usage unless the store is located within 150 metres of a school.
While some municipalities have adopted a Municipal Cannabis Retail Policy that identifies an additional buffer zone around other locally sensitive uses after opting in, the report said these policy statements have no legal authority and are not being considered by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
When surveyed, 74 per cent of Centre Wellington residents said they support cannabis stores in Centre Wellington. 48 per cent of those surveyed said they prefer to purchase cannabis in a legal, private store.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program
