ABERFOYLE – Puslinch council wants to take the issue to the public before rendering a decision on whether or not the municipality opts in or out of cannabis retail stores.
The item came up at council on Dec. 5 following lengthy presentations by OPP Inspector Scott Lawson and Belwood area resident Silvana Sangiuliano.
Copies of both presentations are online as part of the Puslinch Township agenda package in addition to a YouTube video link of the same meeting.
As council discussed the idea of holding a public meeting before making a decision, CAO Karen Landry recommended a decision on that aspect be made that night.
Councillor Ken Roth believes Puslinch should opt in. “I am a great believer in free enterprise and it is a legal substance.”
He said he understands there is a great deal of uncertainty which is why he also favoured a public meeting.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer said his understanding is that if municipalities did not opt in at the beginning, but chose to do so later … “Are you forever opting out of future funding?”
Township director of finance Mary Hasan explained all municipalities get the first two $5,000 payments, however additional funding is prioritized to municipalities that choose not to opt out.
Hasan said any potential surplus revenue is only available to municipalities that do not opt out.
Bulmer responded, “So if we choose not to opt in right now, we can never qualify for the additional funds.”
Hasan responded, “That is correct.”
Mayor James Seeley said he believes any funds received are based on the number of households within a municipality.
“The $100-million is not distributed evenly because Wellington County would also get half of that money.”
Bulmer said it would not be a significant amount of funds then.
“I’d like to go to the public and at this point, I’m still on the fence.”
Councillor Jessica Goyda was disappointed it is being said if the municipality opts out now, the township would forfeit any future funding from the province – even if the municipality opted in at a later date.
“It feels like they are dangling a carrot by offering a reward.”
Goyda added, “In a township where every dollar counts, it sounds enticing. But we need to make sure it is the right decision for the safety and the health and the wants of our community. I think it is important we have a public meeting.”
Sepulis suggested that based on his calculations, Puslinch, at best, would only be getting $13,000 annually.
Seeley clarified the funds were not based on $100-million but funds raised in excess of $100-million.
Sepulis agreed even $13,000 is significant when looking at not creating any tax increase. “Without a public meeting, we would be severely criticized.”
The meeting will be held at 7pm at the Puslinch Community Centre on Dec. 17.
A decision by council is anticipated at its Dec. 19 meeting.
