Belleville says “Yes” to retail cannabis stores in the city.
The recent public survey on the city website had shown 75% of the 2,263 who responded supported the idea of a retail store.
Monday night, city council members also weighed in on the fact pot is now legal, and retail stores would ensure cleaner marijuana, free of illegal drugs.
Councillor Kelly McCaw said she was “not satisfied” with the survey, and “older people” would not be familiar with an online survey.
McCaw said, also, the provincial funding to be provided wasn’t enough to pay for extra police and paramedic services that would be required.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk pointed out there are already “53 dispensaries east of us.”
Panciuk said people across the country are dying from illegal marijuana which often contains illegal drugs such as fentanyl.
Councillor Ryan Williams said it also means business for local companies.
Councillor Bill Sandison indicated the issue of provincial funding in relation to the cannabis laws would be raised with the Association of Municipalities.
Council decided to opt in for a retail store, on a vote of 8 to 1, with McCaw voting against.
In an interview with Quinte News, Panciuk said he is not anticipating any of the first 25 licences coming to Belleville.
“So, realistically I think the province has said not earlier than December of 2019. We will have to see when a retail establishment is allowed to open in Belleville and has interest, and then we’ll be ready for them because we’ve passed this by-law,” referring to the by-law council had just passed agreeing to retail pot stores.
