Fort McMurray bans public consumption of cannabis

FORT MCMURRAY Consuming or producing cannabis publicly in Wood Buffalo will not be allowed after the municipal council unanimously passed three bylaws regarding marijuana regulation at a special council meeting Monday.

Council also passed bylaws keeping cannabis retailers in urban areas at least 150 metres away from schools and provincial health-care facilities, child care centres and rehabilitation centres.

In rural areas, this barrier would be at a minimum of 100 metres.

Production facilities in urban and rural areas must stay 300 metres from the same sites, as well as residential areas.

Any odour complaints must be dealt with within 48 hours.

There are no separation requirements between liquor stores and stores selling cannabis.

Development officers will have discretionary authority on separation up to 10 per cent.

Coun. Mike Allen asked what would happen if a school or daycare opened up within 150 metres from an established cannabis retailer.

Administration said if the building operators are aware of the cannabis retailer but still want to operate nearby, that is acceptable.

Residents will also be able to grow up to four plants on their private property, which is the limit the federal government has put in place.

Residents will not be allowed to grow them on balconies or communal areas in apartment or condominium complexes.

“People can consume in their private residence and that’s important,” said Mayor Don Scott.

The proposed cannabis bylaws were created after the municipality surveyed more than 2,700 residents and had more than 1,000 direct interactions with residents.