Okotoks is preparing for cannabis legalization at the end of the summer. Council gave first reading to two new bylaws related to cannabis legislation, as well as amendments to existing bylaws to include retail store regulations, production facilities, business licensing and public consumption. “For the most part, we are following the provincial regulations and following suit with how other municipalities, like Calgary, have handled their bylaws,” said municipal enforcement manager Kelly Stienwand. The proposed cannabis bylaw prohibits consumption of marijuana in public, with exceptions for medical use and special events. Special event organizers can apply to the Town to have a permit issued by CAO Elaine Vincent in order to set up a designated area for consuming cannabis. “These would only be events where there are no children present,” said Stienwand. According to a survey put out by the Town earlier this year, about 55 per cent of respondents indicated consumption should not take place in any public place, and nearly 35 per cent said marijuana should be allowed in designated areas at adult-oriented events. On the retail side, the majority of respondents indicated cannabis stories should be located in light industrial areas and business parks, with many stating downtown or large-scale commercial areas would also be acceptable. Okotoks planning services manager Jamie Dugdale said the proposed amendments to land use bylaws sees cannabis stores being added to most retail districts as a discretionary use and subject to rules and regulations of council. One of the major rules is around the minimum distance between a retail store or production facility and facilities like hospitals or schools, he said. According to the survey, almost half of respondents wanted to see 300 metres, while about 36 per cent indicated the 100-metre provincial recommendation was sufficient. The Town’s proposed bylaw amendments opt for the 100-metre setback. “We did look at a couple of different buffer distances when we were doing our research and if we did go up to 200 metres it got quite restrictive,” said Dugdale. To-date the Town has seen upwards of 50 inquiries for cannabis retail stores since January, he said. No applications have been accepted at this time, as the bylaws have not been adopted by council, he said. However, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) has been receiving applications for its approval process. Retailers must receive AGLC approval prior to operating a store in the province, he said. He said AGLC is doing a lot of the legwork in weeding out applications, so the Town doesn’t expect a lot to come through. Dugdale has kept tabs on applications by watching AGLC’s website, where the public can view and comment on applications made for a 21-day period. “For what has come forward for Okotoks, I’ve only seen five or six so far,” he said. “Okotoks won’t be inundated, I don’t think, so we can still manage the number of applications we get.” A public hearing on all proposed bylaws and amendments will be held June 25 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
