Lacombe's Cannabis Readiness Committee has been meeting over the last month and the advisory body's recommendations will be available for public feedback at the upcoming trade show on April 20.
Chief administrative officer Matthew Goudy sits on the committee as a non-voting facilitator and says the city plans to regulate legalized pot through its Land Use Bylaw.
“The ability for retail sales would be tied to a land use and specific zoning,” Goudy says.
“Certainly they’re looking at some of our commercial districts and industrial zones as probably the most suitable. We are planning to have some information on public consumption at the upcoming trade fair.”
Goudy says the city has been approached by a number of prospective cannabis retailers.
The committee’s recommendations will be to treat cannabis like alcohol, he says.
“On the one hand, you have a new industry that needs to be folded into our existing bylaws, like any other industry,” Goudy says.
“On the other hand, it is -- of course -- not just any industry. It’s an industry that has potential to cause real social issues within your community. We want make sure that’s being mitigated through our ability to regulate.
The committee has three task forces to deal with different issues related to legal pot.
Besides land use, there’s one focused on community safety and social impact, and another on human resource matters for city employees.
Goudy says public consultation will be tied into the bylaw amendment process but council could also call for additional engagement after receiving the committee’s recommendations.
First reading is scheduled for May, second reading for June and third reading for July.
The committee would continue to meet until no later than Dec. 31, 2019 to review the outcomes of city plans.
Thu, Apr 18, 7:00 PM
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