City seeks public input on pot regulations
The City of Saskatoon wants public input on where marijuana outlets should be located.
City hall has launched an online survey seeking residents’ input on where cannabis producers and retailers should be allowed to set up shop. The federal government has set a deadline of July 1 to keep a campaign promise to make recreational marijuana legal.
The survey seeks feedback on a variety of issues, ranging from public consumption to safety of patrons and employees to protection from “noxious odours” and shielding youth and “vulnerable” people.
The survey also asks whether outlets selling marijuana should be allowed to locate in residential neighbourhoods, commercial areas or industrial areas.
Other questions attempt to gauge support for mandating distances, ranging from one block to more than two blocks, from other marijuana stores, high schools, elementary schools, community centres and child care centres.
Much of the provincial government’s plan for marijuana legalization remains unknown. More is expected to be announced, such as the legal age for consumption, once the governing Saskatchewan Party chooses its new leader and the next premier on Saturday.
The province announced earlier this month that it will issue 60 licences for private marijuana retail stores, including seven for Saskatoon.
The city’s survey is active until Feb. 7. It can be found at www.saskatoon.ca/engage/cannabis-regulations
The results of the survey and the city’s plans for marijuana bylaws are expected to be made public in the spring.