Last week during a regularly scheduled Olds council meeting, first reading was given to a bylaw that would change the distance allowed between cannabis retail stores and parks or public buildings like hospitals.
A public hearing on the proposed change is set for Monday Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. in the council chambers.
The new bylaw must pass three readings in order to become law.
The current minimum separation distance that is set for cannabis retail stores in town is 150 metres with the exception of parks. That distance was recently changed to 100 metres.
Under this proposed bylaw the separation distance of cannabis stores to schools, hospitals and other cannabis stores will be reduced to 100 metres.
The reason for trying to change the minimum separation distance according to Mayor Michael Muzychka is because the current 150-metre minimum is too restrictive.
“The 150 is more in keeping with what the survey suggested. But once we sat down and drew everything out on a map, we didn’t want to be overly restrictive for the companies coming into retail cannabis," he said.
“Once we looked at the map we decided 100 metres was less restrictive.
“If we get overly restrictive with our bylaws somebody is going to end up challenging them and no matter how valid our stance is or their stance is, a lawsuit is never good for anybody,” said Muzychka.
The proposed 100-metre change is in alignment with the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis) recommended minimum separation distance.
Prior to giving the bylaw first reading, Coun. Heather Ryan voiced her concerns over the potential change.
“I just wanted to voice my opposition; I think we’re fine at 150 metres for all of these areas and I don’t understand why it’s going back,” said Ryan. “We already made a compromise when we set the 150 metres guideline.”
Ryan would still like to have the restrictions around the library and indoor community centres stay the same if the others change.
