Cannabis regulation discussion begins

The march towards cannabis retailers regulation in Yorkton began at the city council meeting on Jun. 25.

Michael Eger (Director of Planning, Building, and Development with the City of Yorkton) introduced a potential amendment to Zoning Bylway No. 14/2003 at the Monday meeting. It focuses on cannabis retailers and where they will be allowed to set up shop in the city.

“This is multifaceted,” Eger said. “It’s going to affect every aspect of our community.”

On Jun. 1 of this year, the Saskatchewa government passed the Cannabis Control Act, which allows for the sale, possession, and use of marijuana in the province. On the same day, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) selected two cannabis retail operators to work in Yorkton.

With all of these recent changes, and with country-wide legalization coming down the pike in October, Yorkton needs a comprehensive zoning bylaw that addresses cannabis retailers.

“We wouldn’t want to impede...the businesses,” Eger said.

The current zoning bylaw does not consider cannabis retailers as “defined use.” They might be regarded as general retailers, which isn’t the right definition given their strict provincial and federal regulations.

In the proposal, Eger suggested Yorkton distinguish recreational cannabis retailers from pharmacies, determine where cannabis retailers can operate in the city, decide if cannabis lounges should be allowed in the city, and review cannabis production regulations.

“I think it’s important we do a good job,” said councillor Aaron Kienle.

“It’s up to use to make sure our citizens and businesses are well served,” said councillor Randy Goulden.

Eger made special note of keeping cannabis retailers and children-heavy centres firmly separated. He suggested a 150 meter distance between all schools and cannabis retailers, and a 75 meter distance from all daycares. He called it a “hybrid approach.”

“We thought they were good buffer [zones],” he said.”

Eger said a challenge of regulating cannabis is treating it like alcohol. Since cannabis retailers may require buffer zones, Eger suggested a similar approach may be considered for stores that sell alcohol. Eger said alcohol zoning regulations should be considered in a future amendment.

“We don’t have buffer zones for alcohol, so I don’t know if [they’re] necessary, but it’s good to have everybody take a look at it,” Kienle said.

Eger asked council to initiate the public notice process so Yorkton citizens can weigh in on the possible zoning changes.

“We would invite all feedback,” he said.

The proposal passed unanimously.

“It’s our turn to put some rules out to keep our community as safe as possible and make people feel comfortable with this new law,” Kienle said.