On Jan. 16, Erin councillors discussed what can be done locally once marijuana is legalized by the federal government.
The town received two letters on the issue, one from Minister of Finance Charles Sousa and the other from Brian Patterson of Too Far Too Fast Canada.
The minister’s letter outlined discussion Ontario has had with the federal government and with municipalities regarding cost sharing.
Sousa said there will need to be more engagement.
“Given the federal government’s forecasts of modest revenue and the federation of Canadian municipalities’ estimated cost projections, our engagement will need to acknowledge that it appears unlikely there will be enough revenue to fully cover the incremental municipal and provincial costs associated with legalization,” wrote Sousa.
Patterson asked council to pass a motion to prevent the opening of legalized cannabis stories in the community, “In the interest of protecting public safety and young people.”
He added the federal and provincial governments have rushed the process.
“We stand with public health experts, healthcare professionals, community leaders, parents and law enforcement who [have] raised important concerns about the federal legalization scheme, but have been ignored thus far,” stated Patterson.
Councillor Matt Sammut said he wanted to know the opinion of Erin residents through a referendum in the fall municipal election.
“The challenge here of course, (is) our prime minister has made a decision that this is something that is going to be legal and move forward in the country,” Sammut said.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean the people of Erin want outlets to be in the community.”
Councillor Jeff Duncan said the town has been proactive.
He added public comment can be brought to the future zoning amendment public meeting on where stores can be permitted in the town.
Duncan said cannabis will be regulated by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), which may overrule municipal banning like Patterson suggests.
“Can you not allow an alcohol retail outlet in your community?” Duncan asked.
Councillor John Brennan said Erin will not see an outlet for a while.
“The number of outlets that they are talking about in the province of Ontario is a ridiculously low number, quite frankly,” Brennan said.
“By the time they get around to asking us if we want to put one in Erin, I don’t think we will have to worry about it.”
Council accepted the correspondence as information.
