Wednesday deadline looms for participation in cannabis survey
With only two provincial restrictions applying to cannabis retail locations, your input by Wednesday could help determine any additional measures to take in Medicine Hat.
Without local restrictions, a retail location could sprout up in any commercial or industrial area as long as it is 100 metres from a school or public health facility. That means they could be next to coffee shops or at your neighbourhood convenience store, said Jim Genge, senior planner, planning & development services for the city.
“There are quite a number of neighbourhood commercial districts ...,” said Genge.
Provincial restrictions on operating hours for retail cannabis stores in Alberta will be 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. but municipalities can restrict that further.
There is also the question of what we feel is appropriate in terms of consumption of cannabis in public in the Hat, said Genge.
“Should it be restricted to how we treat alcohol or how we treat tobacco use in public,” said Genge.
Provincial restrictions for consumption of cannabis is where smoking tobacco is allowed.
Cannabis will not be allowed in bars and lounges, but should you be able to smoke a cannabis joint where you would smoke a cigarette? Should you be entitled to consume on private property, in your home and in your yard, asks Genge. Apartment blocks and condominiums will establish their own rules for those properties. The question relates to other private property.
Potential changes to the community could be significant and it is important to hear from a large percentage of Hatters on the matter. Genge is aiming for surveys from more than 10 per cent of the population.
“The goal for the survey is maximum participation. We are looking for participation from across the board, all demographics. We are trying to make sure we can reach out to as many people in Medicine Hat as we can,” said Genge.
You can still have your say until Wednesday.
The more feedback from the public the larger the voice will be to guide council in decision making. The survey is about conveying community values to council.
Here’s a link to the city’s website where you can participate in the survey or print a copy and submit it.
https://www.medicinehat.ca/government/departments/p lanning-development-services/planning-services/currentprojects/cannabis-in-medicine-hat
Genge says most seniors’ residences and churches are making copies of the survey available. You can also obtain a printed copy at city hall or ask someone at the library to help you access the city’s site and print a copy if you are not able to do so at home.
Completed copies must be submitted by the end of Wednesday.