Cannabis Legalization

Transcription

1 Cannabis Legalization PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REPORT July 2018

2 Table of Contents 1. Background & Introduction The Feedback Survey Stakeholder Engagement Communications Survey Results Written Feedback Moving Forward Appendix: Information/Feedback Form innisfail.ca/cannabis

3 1. Background & Introduction In April 2017, the federal government introduced cannabis legalization with a Summer 2018 targeted effect date. Innisfail Town Council subsequently approved a Cannabis Legalization Project Plan, outlining the steps the Town would take to ensure the successful integration of this legislation at the municipal level. Stakeholder engagement was identified as being integral to the successful attainment of this endgoal. Approved in conjunction with the Cannabis Legalization Project Plan was an associated Public Participation Plan, which outlined the various activities the Town planned to undertake to engage stakeholders and the general public as the legalization process moved forward. Through the plan, the Town outlined its intent to develop, and/or amend existing, bylaws as needed to determine how, where, when and by whom cannabis [would] be possessed, sold and consumed within the Town of Innisfail. 2. The Feedback Survey A stakeholder feedback survey comprised a major component of the Public Participation Plan, and was conducted between Friday, April 20, 2018 and Tuesday, May 15, The survey was offered both online and in print. The survey s results were intended to help the Town successfully determine the values and priorities of stakeholders in facilitating cannabis legalization at the municipal level. The Town would use these results as the basis upon which eventual proposed bylaw amendments were made. In total, 404 responses were collected over the course of the survey period. This number reflects, and is inclusive of, responses received both online and in print. Stakeholders were invited to provide their feedback in three primary areas of concern: (1) Retail areas and setbacks; (2) Retail operating hours; and (3) Public consumption. Respondents were not required to identify themselves in order to participate in the survey. As a result, all feedback was received anonymously. Findings provided council and administration insight into stakeholders perspectives and expectations surrounding cannabis legalization. 3. Stakeholder Engagement Stakeholders were engaged through various means throughout the public participation process, and invitiations to complete the feedback survey were extended publicly on various occasions. 1

4 Trade Show Town staff and council attended the Innisfail Trade Show over the course of two days April 20-21, The event marked the introduction of the stakeholder feedback survey to the public. Members of staff and council were available to discuss and answer questions regarding the Town s plans to accommodate the federal cannabis legislation, and attendees were encouraged to complete and submit paper copies of the survey on site. Open House On May 8, 2018, the Town hosted a Cannabis Legalization Open House in Council Chambers at the Innisfail Town Office. Information was presented on the Town s Cannabis Legalization Project Plan, and staff and council were on hand discuss, and answer questions pertaining to, the matter. Attendees were encouraged to complete and submit paper copies of the survey on site. Information/Feedback Form Information detailing the Town s proposed bylaw amendments was mailed to every home and business in Innisfail in early-july The form containing the information was inserted into property owners monthly utility bills, and contained a space in which stakeholders were invited to provide their further written feedback. Stakeholder Outreach Copies of the information/feedback form were ed directly to representatives of various stakeholder groups, including, but not limited to: Alberta Health Services, the RCMP, the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce, Chinook s Edge School Division and the Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre. Members of all were invited to provide feedback. 4. Communications The Town utilized various means of communication to raise awareness of both the impending legislation and the Town s role in its implementation. External messaging also communicated the avenues through which feedback was being encouraged. Town Voice Notices and information were posted regularly in the Town Voice the Town s full-page colour ad in the Innisfail Province weekly newspaper. Social Media Notices and information were posted regularly through the Town s Facebook and Twitter streams. Website A website landing page and unique URL ( ca/cannabis) were created specifically for the project. An online feedback form, a Q&A and project updates were all accessible, and a link to the online version of the feedback survey was provided. The initiative was also promoted via a feature block on the Town s homepage, while the site s news and events sections were also utilized to help raise awareness. Utility Bill Newsletters Project updates and information were included in the May 2018 and June 2018 Town utility bills newsletters, sent to all homes and businesses in Innisfail. Workshop Representatives of both Alberta Health Services and the RCMP were engaged several times throughout the public participation process. Both were invited to partake in a cannabis legalization workshop with council on May 17, Farmers Market Town staff attended the Innisfail Farmers Market on July 19, 2018, to present and discuss the proposed bylaw amendments. Copies of the information/ feedback form were handed out, and further feedback was solicited. 2

5 5. Survey Results 1. How familiar are you with the impending legalization of cannabis and each level of government s roles and responsibilities in its implementation? (federal, provincial, municipal) Somewhat familiar 63.75% 255 Very familiar 20.25% 81 Not familiar 16.00% Generally speaking, what is your overall feeling toward the legalization of non-medical (recreational) cannabis? I support it 42.50% 170 I m against it 40.25% 161 I m neutral/don t have an opinion 17.25% What issues are most important to you and/or would you most like to see addressed in the legalization of cannabis? (select all that apply) Maintaining adequate setback distances 67.27% 261 Health and safety 60.82% 236 Disruption/nuisance in public spaces 55.41% 215 Crime/enforcement 54.90% 213 Economic stimulation 37.37% Please list any other issues not mentioned above that are important to you and/or you would most like to see addressed in the legalization of cannabis:* *10 (of 109) responses selected at random: We ve spent years creating clean air, moving tobacco use to private and confined areas and now with cannabis we start all over again. Honestly, what are we thinking? The odour, the distance from doors and entry ways has to be much further! I believe the limit one person is allowed to have under the proposed legislation is too high. 3

6 4. Please list any other issues not mentioned above that are important to you and/or you would most like to see addressed in the legalization of cannabis: (continued) Crime is already on the rise. Innocent, hard working families are being hurt and the government is only doing this for money not considering that it will add to addiction problems in society which we all know affects crime rates. This is going to be the start of legalizing many other harmful substance abuse. It starts small like cannabis and then moves to the next thing because people won t see cannabis as a powerful enough thing for them anymore. Safe road ways. The ability to have places where, as a cannabis using person, I am ALLOWED to smoke. Other than my property. Education of the recreational and medicinal forms of marijuana. How will this affect the park where my children play? Will there be a bylaw not allowing it in parks and public places? They should be informing the benefits of marijuana. 5. What do you feel is an acceptable minimum setback distance for cannabis retailers (stores) to be located from SCHOOLS? More than 100 metres 69.21% 254 No minimum setback is necessary 14.71% metres 14.44% 53 Less than 100 metres 1.63% 6 6. What do you feel is an acceptable minimum setback distance for cannabis retailers (stores) to be located from PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS? More than 100 metres 66.94% 245 No minimum setback is necessary 15.57% metres 14.21% 52 Less than 100 metres 3.28% 12 4

7 7. What do you feel is an acceptable minimum setback distance for cannabis retailers (stores) to be located from OTHER CANNABIS RETAILERS (STORES)? No minimum setback is necessary 45.88% 167 More than 100 metres 41.48% metres 8.79% 32 Less than 100 metres 3.85% What do you feel is an acceptable minimum setback distance for cannabis retailers (stores) to be located from LIQUOR STORES? No minimum setback is necessary 62.26% 231 More than 100 metres 27.22% metres 5.66% 21 Less than 100 metres 4.85% What do you feel is an acceptable minimum setback distance for cannabis retailers (stores) to be located from HEALTH CARE/MEDICAL FACILITIES? No minimum setback is necessary 44.86% 166 More than 100 metres 40.54% metres 9.19% 34 Less than 100 metres 5.41% Are there any other buildings and/or facilities from which you feel minimum setback distances for cannabis retailers should be considered: (community centres, daycare facilities, libraries, churches/places of worship, etc.)* *10 (of 246) responses selected at random: Any place that gets tax dollars. Community centres, library, daycare, pools, recreational areas. Anywhere that children and people are gathered in a public space, particularly children. No. 5

8 10. Are there any other buildings and/or facilities from which you feel minimum setback distances for cannabis retailers should be considered: (community centres, daycare facilities, libraries, churches/places of worship, etc.) (continued) All of the places listed above should have more than 100 metres separating them from a cannabis retailer. Swimming pool, library, daycares, community centres. Stores and restaurants. Definitely not. No. Churches, any facility where children will attend. 11. Are there any specific areas of town in which you feel cannabis retailers (stores) should not be located?* *10 (of 230) responses selected at random: Anywhere. Downtown. Within a general downtown area. No. Near parks, arenas, churches, daycare centres, schools. Should not be anywhere near children or students! Near schools. Residential areas. Convenience stores. None. No. Same law/rules as liquor stores. 6

9 12. Are there any specific areas of town in which you feel cannabis retailers (stores) should be located?* *10 (of 217) responses selected at random: Main Street, industrial areas. No. Business section. Downtown. Location should be out of town or at best on the outskirts of town limits. In retail locations. No. Locate where easy access. In one area so it s easier to police and enforce. Beside police station and Tim Hortons. Not in Innisfail. 13. Liquor retailers (stores) in Alberta are permitted to operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Please indicate whether you feel cannabis retailers (stores) should be permitted to operate: The same hours 59.56% 215 Shorter hours Longer hours The Town s current Smoking Bylaw prohibits the smoking of tobacco in public buildings, workplaces and within six metres of entrances to/exits from such places. Please indicate whether you feel the public consumption of cannabis should follow: Stricter rules and regulations than the smoking of tobacco Similar rules and regulations as the smoking of tobacco More lenient rules and regulations than the smoking of tobacco 58.04% % % 9 7

10 15. With regard to the public consumption of alcohol and its associated restrictions (as defined by provincial liquor laws), please indicate whether you feel the public consumption of cannabis should follow: Similar regulations/restrictions as alcohol 48.12% 179 Stricter rules and regulations than alcohol 37.37% 139 More lenient rules and regulations than alcohol 14.52% The public consumption of cannabis should: Not be permitted 33.70% 124 Be regulated/restricted in a similar fashion to both smoking (tobacco) and alcohol Be regulated/restricted in a similar fashion to alcohol Be regulated/restricted in a similar fashion to smoking (tobacco) Have its own independent set of rules/ regulations and restrictions 26.90% % % % Where do you feel people should be permitted to consume cannabis? (select all that apply) Inside their home 98.63% 359 In their backyard 75.00% 273 Front porch/balcony 62.09% 226 Outdoor concert/festival 31.59% 115 While walking down the street 16.76% 61 Restaurant/bar patio 13.19% 48 In a public park 12.91% 47 At any outdoor public space 10.99% 40 8

11 18. With regard to residential cultivation, where do you feel people should be permitted to grow cannabis? (select all that apply) Inside their home 77.36% 270 Garage, green house, shed 74.50% 260 In their back yard/garden 47.28% 165 In their front yard/garden 15.47% 54 Other 14.04% Please provide any further comments you may have pertaining to the impending legalization of cannabis:* *10 (of 111) responses selected at random: I am only for medicinal cannabis! Make Innisfail a cannabis free area! I do not believe that the industry of marijuana will be our downfall. It will put a stop to drug dealers/crime, and will boost our current economy! We need that boost, since the province of BC won t support us! We will get accustomed to the presence of this plant in society even though it has been demonized for a century. It is important to remember that cannabis was never harmful. We should treat it as such. Don t over think it. Ban all public consumption of smoking materials. I hate the smell of tobacco as much as some hate cannabis. I am totally against this legislation as evident by my answers. This is the first step to society. I do not see anything positive resulting from this legislation. It stinks and others should not have to be around it in public. This should continue to be illegal! Children and youth are going to be exposed to this at no choice of their own! Cannabis has less negative effects than cigarettes and alcohol, and should be treated as such as there are many medical benefits. 9

12 20. Please indicate your age range: % % % % % % % 14 Under % Please indicate your standing within Innisfail: Resident 81.59% 297 Both 10.44% 38 Neither 4.40% 16 Business owner/operator 3.57% Written Feedback The following is a summary of the written feedback received in response to the proposed bylaw amendments, listed by order of date received: 1. July 4, 2018 From Chinook s Edge School Division: Chinook s Edge would like to see the set back from schools apply to our Division Office. We at times have students come to the building and would like to see the same distance requirements for schools apply to our Division Office. 2. July 4, 2018 From Alberta Health Services: 1. The province does not distinguish between medical and recreational use for places where tobacco smoking is allowed. 2. The province does not describe a wide enough 10

13 and specific enough list of outdoor places where cannabis smoking should be excluded to protect public health. 3. Smoking cannabis; medical or recreational like tobacco is harmful to others and needs to be addressed. Recommend a ban on use of any form of cannabis in the public space. This is in line with our recommendations in other municipalities and a lot have adopted that. 4. Allowing medical use basically anywhere will be a challenge to enforce as people could easily obtain a prescription from physicians so that they can use it in public. So best to leave it as ban on all cannabismedical or recreational. 5. We also recommend creating a municipal smoke free bylaw that expands to include the definition of smoking. This is an opportunity to broaden this; a few other municipalities are taking advantage of the current work on cannabis to improve their smoking bylaws. 3. July 6, 2018 Two comments: Regarding special events and usage. Special circumstance should be allowed for events. Innisfail is well positioned as a destination for events and if there is flexibility and special allowances (as there is with alcohol), that would allow for a wider variety of events. Allowances for renters should be included in the bylaw. Inhalation use should be legal in a private residence even if it is rented. 4. July 9, 2018 Why is cannabis smoking being banned, yet poisonous tobacco isn t? Why does my 5 year old have to smell that crap when we walk around town? 6. July 9, 2018 The smell is very unpleasant and I would not like to encounter it in public places. 7. July 12, 2018 We truly believe in your proposal of the cannabis store hours 10 a.m p.m. Also applications for the stores should be reviewed thoroughly. We agree that cannabis should only be consumed in or on private property and definitely not in a vehicle where children are present. Because of early age consumption and proven brain damage this will put another load on our medical system which is already taxed beyond limits. These are serious problems. 8. July 16, 2018 I am concerned that smoke from cannabis use in condo, apartment and/or duplex or fourplex buildings will certainly be enjoyed by all dwellers. How will that be addressed? Even smoking on their balcony will send smoke through any open window. 9. July 23, 2018 Why do we need cannabis? Food and water for our future, yes not pot. You are putting the world in a huge disaster. You ll need more doctors, rehabs, police, etc. Those huge pot plants should be producing food and conserving water. Those dirty thirties can return all too soon. Will people survive on pot alone? Use your brains and put them to some good. I understood you were concerned about out air we breathe, now you re going to add even more crap to inhale? Don t come near my house. I m close to 100. Don t ruin the little air we have left. I say, everybody start thinking about ten years from now. You re going to be in a big mess. Silly? How do you know? 5. July 9, 2018 I think the bylaws look good. My only concern is that even medical use should be restricted in public areas. I don t think any (medical or non-medical) should be in areas such as playgrounds, spray parks, spectator area of arena or school grounds. If medical needs are there, have it used in other areas. 11

14 7. Moving Forward Council on June 25, 2018, gave first reading to bylaws 1470-A54 and , addressing cannabis-related land uses and public consumption, respectively. Both were scheduled to be considered for second and third readings on July 23, Once the appropriate bylaw amendments have been finalized, the Town will initiate an awareness/ education campaign advising residents and stakeholders of affected changes with regard to cannabis legalization. 12

15 Appendix: Information/Feedback Form 13

16 Appendix: Information/Feedback Form 14