%TheCounty. Presentation Outline. Retail Cannabis. 2. Proposed Licensing 1/9/ Thelssue

Transcription

1 *u!'!!asc)?'!!n!30t Retail Presentation Outline 1. Thelssue 2. Proposed Licensing 3. Consultation Process 4. Feedback 5. Recommendation %TheCounty 1

2 What's the lssue? o Recreational cannabis became legal in Canada on October 17, 2018 a The Government of Ontario is giving municipalities a one time opportunity to opt out of bricks and mortar retail establishments by January 22, a Regardless of local retail options, the possession, personal production and consumption of cannabis is legal in Prince Edward County; as are online Proposed Licensing a Licensing will be provided through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) - Similar to controls on the sale of alcohol with the LCBOs. a TheAGCOwillhavetheauthorityto: - Approve sites, issue Iicenses, Iicense store staff a Regulations will include: - Permitted hours of operation - Standards for the sale and promotion of cannabis - Minimum distances (150m) from schools a Processincludesal5-daycommentperiodforthepublicand municipal governments regarding proposed 2

3 a:* Special meeting of Council to receive public commentc Consultation Process Three methods to gauge community sentiment on this issue: 1. Web page, advertisements and voluntary survey opportunity 2. Third-party phone survey - Customized Iive phone interview - Random dial phone survey - Statistically significant sample - Demographically balanced 3. Consultations with local agencies - Hastings Prince Edward Public health, OPP Fepdback Random Dial Phone Survey 63% of residents support Iegal and tightiy reguiated carinabis retai) 65% identified proximity to schools and day cares as there greatest concern 70% of purchasers would prefer to purchase cannabis at Iocal retail stores ("Purchasers were 32% of total respondents) Municipally Administered Elective Survey 65% of respondents support Iegal and tightly regulated cannabis retail 86% of those with concerns identified crime, safety and security as their Iargest concern regarding retail cannabis ("only 253 of 763 indicated any concerns) Agency consultation OPP provided no position on the issue Health Unit has a balanced position on the issue: - Concerns with retail stores: density, hrs of operation, proximity to sensitive uses - Maintaining the black market was a concern associated with a Iack of retail 3

4 Recommendation To Permit Retail Cannabis Stores in Prince Edward County. Staff considered the following in our assessment: a The AGCO's intent to tightly regulate retail cannabis establishments - Experience working with the AGCO on Iicensing of alcohol and lottery sales in various contexts * Agency consultations in context of regulations intended to mitigate concerns a Outcomes of the community surveys; general support for retail establishments in the County from both surveys across most constituencies a Potential for increased funding now and into the future *TheCounty Recommendation To Permit Retail Cannabis Stores in Prince Edward County. Staff considered the following in our assessment (continued): * Number of visitors to the County; cannabis will be purchased and used regardless of whether Iocal retail establishments are available a Extremely Iimited number Iicenses that will be issued in the near-term a Uncertain economic implications given the Iimited initial Iicensing, potential density Iimits and uncertainty regarding supply chains coupled with user preference for retail stores. $TheCounty 4

5 ThankYou. s