It will likely be mid-2019 before 91原创 Township residents see any retail marijuana stores in their community.
The Township didn鈥檛 put in place any zoning plans for retail pot before the Oct. 20 civic elections.
Re-elected Mayor Jack Froese said he wants to consult with the community. The Township will have to consider whether it wants provincially-run outlets only, or private pot retailers as well, similar to private wine and beer stores.
鈥淲e need to know what the community wants,鈥� Froese said.
While the Township could approve a one-off rezoning if a retailer applied, Froese said he doesn鈥檛 want to see that happen.
Instead, the Township council will likely consult with the public, do some research, and create a full policy.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 going to take at least six months,鈥� Froese said.
In 91原创 City, mayor-elect Val van den Broek also wants to set up a process first.
The City council will likely have their staff look into it, and compare how other cities have handled the matter, she said Monday.
Van den Broek noted that even the provincial government is still releasing new guidelines and information, as recently as last week.
The City council addressed recreational pot smoking already by passing an updated public smoking bylaw to keep marijuana smoke out of local parks, noted re-elected Councillor Nathan Pachal.
Pachal said the City has had challenges with other types of stores 鈥� including cheque cashing outlets 鈥� and he also wants to avoid approving stores on an ad hoc basis before the City has a full framework.
鈥淪pot zoning isn鈥檛 ideal,鈥� Pachal said.
