Organizations raise concerns about cannabis retail activity near youth centre
Two organizations expressed concerns at a public hearing about allowing cannabis retail activity near the downtown Swift Current location of a nonprofit organization that provides programs and support services to youth.
The public hearing took place during a regular City of Swift Current council meeting, Aug. 27. The hearing was scheduled as part of the process to amend the City's zoning bylaws to clearly delineate the areas where cannabis retail stores and production facilities will be allowed to operate.
The amendments to the bylaws are done in preparation for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada on Oct. 17. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) has issued 51 cannabis retail store permits in the province. Permits for two cannabis retail stores have been allocated to Swift Current.
City administration previously presented a report to council that proposed amendments to the zoning bylaws to limit the location of retail cannabis stores to the downtown core and cannabis production operations to the industrial districts.
The current central commercial district in the city’s downtown core includes commercial properties adjacent to residential neighbourhoods. City administration is suggesting the creation of a new zone district within the existing central commercial district where cannabis retail stores will be allowed.
The joint presentation at the public hearing was made by Nathan Wiebe, the executive director of the Swift Current Community Youth Initiative (operating as The Center) and Pastor Kevin Snyder of the East Side Church of God, the owner/lessor of the property from which The Center operates.
“We desire to continue to see the city of Swift Current as a place where parents and guardians do not need to worry about constantly monitoring their children to ensure their well-being,” Wiebe said.
“At The Center in particular, we continue to strive to provide a safe place for the youth of our city, separate and apart from any potentially harmful influences.”
The mission of The Center is to provide healthy lifestyle choices for youth that will help them to grow into strong and successful individuals while strengthening families in the community. Wiebe highlighted the various goals of The Center to achieve its mission.
To help it to achieve these goals, The Center has a code of behaviour for youth who participate in programs and activities at the facility that includes zero tolerance for the consumption of any drugs or alcohol.