First reading was uneventful for the much-talked-about zoning bylaw amendments in advance of cannabis legalization.
The bylaw amendments, which had already been introduced, passed unanimously on first reading. Now, the period begins for further consultation with the public on the changes before it returns to council for final approval.
The bylaw includes provisions for cannabis retail outlets in the C1, C3, C3A and C4 commercial zones as a discretionary use, and for cannabis production facilities to be included in the M2 heavy industrial district as a permitted use.
As expected the bylaw includes setting minimum separation distances of 225 metres for cannabis retail outlets from all public schools, playgrounds, libraries and municipal recreation centres. The bylaw also includes non-cannabis-related changes.
There was little discussion of the bylaw at Monday’s meeting as the provisions were discussed at length at previous council and planning committee meetings.
The next step now is public consultation before second and third reading takes place. A public hearing is expected to happen at the May 28 council meeting. Public information meetings are also planned.
