PENHOLD – The town is moving forward with bylaw changes to prepare for the legalization of cannabis this fall.
Penhold council recently moved the date for a public hearing regarding amendments to its Land Use Bylaw to Aug. 27, and held first reading for its Community Standards Bylaw, a bylaw that prohibits certain activities to prevent and enforce the reduction of noise, nuisances, unsightly premises and public disturbances.
The bylaws pertain to cannabis definitions and use on public and private property, as well as retail specifications, including the areas of production, sales and distribution.
“Administration is asking to move the date of the public hearing (for Bylaw 755 to amend Land Use Bylaw) to August 27, to allow for sufficient advertising time within the local media,” said Mike Yargeau, Penhold mayor, at a council meeting on July 23.
Council also introduced and held first reading for the new Community Standards Bylaw, an enhancement to the previous bylaw with greater clarity for defining terminology and addressing cannabis and tobacco products, among other topics such as fireworks, weed control and changes to snow removal.
There was some discussion regarding terminology and clarity pertaining to cannabis use and other areas, which administration will review prior to the next council meeting at the end of August.
At last Monday’s council meeting, Coun. Sharolyn Sanchez inquired about a public hearing for the Community Standards Bylaw, which is not required, according to CAO Rick Binnendyk.
“There’s only certain times when you have to have a public hearing,” said Binnendyk. “A public hearing is when you are dealing with land matters or specific bylaws that require advertising. This one doesn’t require either one.”
He noted that the town will follow much of the provincial terminology and guidelines pertaining to cannabis (and tobacco) use.
Although there will be no public hearing for the Community Standards Bylaw, the town is asking the public to look at Bylaw 756, the Community Standards Bylaw, and provide feedback and ask questions for clarity, prior to its next council meeting on Aug. 27.
“We are putting it out to our website and we are asking the community to look at it to gather feedback on it,” said Binnendyk.
