BARRY’S BAY – Madawaska Valley council has not yet made a decision on whether cannabis retail locations will be allowed in the township.
Two recommendations were presented by staff at the December 17 regular council meeting – the final meeting of 2018.
Each municipality in Ontario has until January 22 to either opt in or opt out of allowing the retailing of cannabis.
CAO/Clerk Sue Klatt organized an ad hoc committee, comprised of key stakeholders, to discuss the impact cannabis legalization will have on the community. The County of Renfrew has also been informing municipalities of any news from the province.
Currently, interested business can submit applications to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. However, the municipality has only 15 days to respond to be on record.
“It is recommended that we appoint a point person in the township to continue to look at the website as well as be one point person to address questions and inquiries about retail, about forms that they need to get,” Klatt said.
Councillor Ernie Peplinski said he was uncomfortable making a decision with very little information.
“When you read about the concerns that every other jurisdiction has, it’s the exact same thing,” he said. “Give us more information.”
He agreed that the township needs someone on staff to review any potential licenses and be able to answer questions on the topic.
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