Even if the Town of Collingwood decides to opt in to allow retail cannabis outlets, they won’t be getting one in the first round, council was told last night (Dec. 17).
Last Thursday, the Ontario government announced there was a severe shortage of supply for legal, retail cannabis in a statement from MPP Caroline Mulroney, Attorney General and MPP Vic Fedeli, Minister of Finance.
In the statement, Mulroney announced that Ontario will be taking steps to ensure that private cannabis retail stores open in phases. In the initial phase, up to 25 licences will be issued so operators can open for business on April 1, 2019. Collingwood is in the East region, which will only be granted five licenses total.
“The legislation has been changing quite regularly regarding this matter,” said town clerk Sara Almas. “Our region – the East region – actually spans from Ottawa to Haliburton. It’s a very significant area, and they’re only allowing storefronts in areas with populations greater than 50,000.”
“So based on that math, Collingwood would not be in that first round?” asked Mayor Brian Saunderson.
“That’s correct,” said Almas. “We don’t know when Phase 2 will happen. Regardless, they haven’t extended the deadline for opting in or opting out, so that’s still Jan. 22.”
According to the staff report, council will be required to consider whether they wish to allow (opt-in) or prohibit (opt-out) retail cannabis outlets in the Town of Collingwood before the Jan. 22 provincial deadline. Council may also decide whether the location of cannabis consumption should be more strictly regulated.
On Oct. 15, council directed staff to undertake public consultation to seek input with respect to allowing retail cannabis outlets in Collingwood.
A public survey is underway with the deadline of Dec. 31 to respond. In less than two weeks, the town has received more than 700 responses.
The town is also holding stakeholder meetings with emergency service responders, health services, local municipalities and county, as well as local schools.
The report will need to be considered at the council meeting of Jan. 14 to meet the deadline. To participate in the survey, click here.
