By Aaron Schulze

City of Melfort anxious to get cannabis store ready by legalization day

Aug 1, 2018 | 4:32 PM

A proposal to make minor changes on the city’s existing bylaw regarding cannabis stores was brought forward at the Melfort Community Services Committee on Tuesday, July 30.

The recommendations include allowing cannabis retail stores in any of the commercial zones such the retail, highway, or shopping centre, and suggests a minimum 150m traveling distance between the stores and schools, daycares, and playgrounds.

Brent Lutz, the City of Melfort’s Community Development Manager, told northeastNOW some retail spots wouldn’t be permitted for a cannabis store, but doesn’t believe it will restrict opportunities for cannabis retail in general.

“We want to make it black and white, so proponents would know which regulations they’d have to comply with and could find a property accordingly,” Lutz said.

Melfort appears to be finishing their bylaw later than other communities before nationwide legalization on October 17, with towns such as Tisdale having approved their bylaw on July 24, and cities such as Prince Albert and Saskatoon discussing license fees.

First meeting

Interest piqued after Melfort Neighbourhood Watch program info meeting

Apr 24, 2024

Wasted fish

Fish abandoned at Deschambault Lake

Apr 23, 2024

Leadership Needed to Stop Federal Overreach

Apr 23, 2024

Lutz said the city isn’t obligated to have a store ready on legalization day, but mentioned the licensee is anxious and ready to have a store open by then and the city is working to make it happen.

Talks of business license fees shouldn’t stall the bylaw readings, as a special business fee will not be applied to cannabis stores.

Lutz said the city has yet to make amendments regarding cannabis consumption and marijuana cultivation, with the focus being on retail sales before Oct. 17.

The bylaw’s first reading will take place during the Aug. 13 council meeting, followed by a special council meeting on August 23 for the second and final reading.

aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow