Proposed pot shop in Ancaster riles neighbours

Ancaster residents say they were surprised to learn about an application for a proposed cannabis store in an established residential area near Fiddlers Green Road and Highway 403.

A cannabis retail store authorization application for Cannabis Roll at 11 Hatton Dr. is currently listed as “in progress.” That indicates the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has received an application and a review process is underway. The deadline for public submissions or objections is May 22.

Kerry Balonjan, who lives beside the proposed shop, said more than 20 children live nearby on Hatton, including her two youngsters, both under four. Three schools are within walking distance of the former Your Choice Variety store where the cannabis store is planned, Balonjan noted. And many teens congregate at a nearby bus stop.

Balonjan is also concerned about increased traffic around the intersection of Fiddlers Green, Enmore Avenue and Hatton.

“It’s not that I’m against cannabis retail shops. It’s just a very poor location for it,” she said. “That was a variety store … that kids used to go to get candy. Lots of residents use this area for walking, bike riding and dog walking.”

Balonjan launched a change.org petition opposing the cannabis store plan, which had 270 online signatures as of May 11.

Darren Daskaluk, another neighbour, said the area doesn’t need another cannabis retail store, especially since a store opened in February on Wilson Street West. Another application by AB Laboratories Inc. for a retail location at 1428 Sandhill

Dr. in the Ancaster Business Park is listed as “in progress” on the AGCO website.

Daskaluk questioned why Ancaster would need more cannabis shops (potentially three) than liquor stores (two).

“It’s about keeping the kids in our area safe,” he said. “It’s a residential area; it’s not a commercial area.”

Ancaster councillor Lloyd Ferguson said he agrees with the residents’ concerns, but warns the final decision will be up to the AGCO. Ferguson said he’s already filed an objection with the provincial agency.

Ferguson noted the community already has Ancaster Joint, a cannabis retail store which opened in February in a new plaza in Duff’s Corners.

Written responses to the application for Cannabis Roll can be submitted online. For questions about the application, call 1-800-522-2876.