ELORA – It took two rounds of recorded votes, but council passed a motion at its May 27 meeting to maintain the status quo when it comes to allowing cannabis retail stores in the township.
Which is to say the township will not be opting in to the program.
The matter first came to council in February 2023 when Fergus resident John Mifsud proposed the new council reconsider the previous council’s decision.
Last June the township conducted a survey of residents and of the 700 responses, 74.3 per cent were in favour of allowing retail cannabis stores in the township.
In November, council sent the matter to the newly formed economic prosperity and growth advisory committee and at Monday’s meeting, manager of economic development George Borovilos told council the committee was not in favour.
In a statement, the committee noted it “recognizes the economic opportunities and benefits of retail cannabis stores,” but added that “until the municipality can control the location and number of retail stores, the committee does not support opting-in to permitting them at this time.”
That was the point several councillors made as well – that once the township says “yes,” there is no turning back. And the township has no authority to decide where the stores can and cannot be established.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) manages the licensing, renewals and enforcement of private cannabis retail stores under the Cannabis License Act, 2018, and the only restriction is that cannabis stores cannot be located within 150 metres of a school.
“We’re talking about drugs,” said councillor Barb Evoy, noting children are especially impacted by drugs in the community.
“And we have almost no say where it goes.”
Councillor Lisa MacDonald noted that the municipality gets no financial benefit and councillor Jennifer Adams said she’d be more comfortable with allowing them if the township had some say in where.
JOHN MIFSUD
Councillor Bronwynne Wilton said she’d rather have a legal place to buy cannabis in town rather than no place and noted that two surveys done by the township indicate broad support by residents.
She moved that council opt in to the program, but her motion was defeated.
In a recorded vote, a second motion to remain out of the program was passed with only Wilton and Adams opposed.
Adams added a clause that was also approved by council – “that staff report back to council if the province changes any of the implementation regulations.”
In an interview following the meeting, Mifsud said he’s disappointed but not surprised.
“I was cautiously optimistic that council would do the right thing,” he said on the phone. “I thought the vote would be closer.
“But I totally get it,” he continued, acknowledging council’s reservations about location.
“I do believe local councils should not be making these decisions on pot shops. The province should give them more control.
“But I’ll keep at it. I want to be the first cannabis store in town and I’m more motivated than ever.”
