Hamilton waits for Ontario funding to battle illegal pot dispensaries

Hamilton continues to wait to see when it will receive money from the provincial government to crack down on illegal marijuana dispensaries.

The federal government announced it was providing Ontario with about $40 million of federal marijuana taxes to be used for law enforcement and other safety costs.

MPP Ted McMeekin didn’t say when the province will provide the funding, but he assured Mayor Fred Eisenberger and Concession Street business owners Ontario will be addressing the illegal pot dispensaries.

“Rest assured, we are in a situation where the illegal activity will not persist,” said McMeekin.

Hamilton officials, along with local businesses have been concerned for nearly a year about the illegal pot dispensaries popping up in almost all business improvement areas.

Eisenberger said every time police shut down a pot outlet, they quickly reopen.

“It’s a cat-and-mouse game in Hamilton,” said Eisenberger, who is also a member of the Hamilton police services board. “They need to be shut down. We are in a grey area in terms of legalization.”

The federal government says it’s on track to legalize recreational cannabis later this year.

Ontario has identified 29 municipalities that will host a legal pot outlet that will be called the Ontario Cannabis Store, operated under the jurisdiction of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

There are scheduled to be 40 stores operating by July 1, 2018, and another 40 by July 2019.

The Ontario government will also be creating a Cannabis Intelligent Co-ordination Centre to help municipalities shut down illegal dispensaries.

Currently, Hamilton’s police service and bylaw enforcement officials have had a difficult time addressing illegal pot operators.

Bylaw officials have issued 45 noncompliance zoning notifications and 25 zoning charges are already before the courts.

Hamilton police have issued 10 warrants to 10 dispensaries that have led to their closure.

Hamilton police said there are about 20 marijuana dispensaries operating in the city.

A cannabis dispensary is scheduled to open on Concession Street, which has provoked some discussion among business owners.

“Other (business) areas have had their challenges,” said Christina Geissler, executive director of the Concession Street BIA. “We are hoping this one will have responsible ownership.”

Eisenberger said Hamilton can’t get the funding soon enough to battle the illegal dispensaries.

“We are trying to keep (cannabis dispensaries) at bay,” he said. “We need the resources.

“Significant money is coming to municipalities to help offset the cost. It’s the right step to take.”