Public hearing dates regarding proposed amendments to the municipality’s land use bylaw have been set for September.
During the July 9 meeting, council gave first readings for two bylaw changes — one to address administrative updates pertaining to modernized language and definitions as well as another to accommodate a legal framework for cannabis production facilities and retail stores.
“This bylaw will not be coming forward for public hearing until the fall, which will give us ample opportunity for extensive public consultation, and will also give council an opportunity to review the first draft of the bylaw,” said chief administrative officer Linda Nelson, referring to the proposed amendments that will update definitions to ensure consistency with the Modernized Municipal Government Act.
Coun. Todd Dalke’s motion to give the bylaw first reading carried unopposed, as did Coun. Richard Warnock’s motion to set the public hearing for Sept. 10.
Also requiring first reading was the proposed land use bylaw amendment to proactively prepare for the legalization of cannabis, which is anticipated to occur on Oct. 17. These changes were drafted in consideration of the results from the municipality’s recent online public opinion survey, states background information prepared for council.
“Overall, a total of 192 persons responded to the public opinion survey,” the report reads, adding that approximately 65 per cent were Sundre residents and 21 per cent were local business owners.
“While there was general support for the separation distances set by the province for location of cannabis retail stores to schools, health-care facilities and reserve lands, there was also support to extend this distance and include other public uses and services.”
That feedback is reflected in the amendments by setting a minimum separation distance of 150 metres and including the following uses: public parks, playgrounds and schools; recreation sites such as the arena, Aquaplex, skate park and rodeo grounds; the Greenwood Campground; child care as well as seniors' facilities; and health-care institutions like the hospital and local clinics.
“The survey results generally supported the province’s framework for hours of operation of a cannabis retail store of 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. The land use bylaw amendment is recommending that the closing hour be reduced to 10 p.m. so as not to compete with hours of operation of drinking establishments,” the report reads.
Although a date and time are yet to officially be announced, administration intends to prepare a public information session during the week of Aug. 27 for the purpose of discussing the survey results.
“Based on what we hear from the public consultation, there will likely be some amendments coming forward at second reading,” said Nelson.
Coun. Charlene Preston’s motion to give the bylaw addressing cannabis sales and production first reading carried unanimously, as did Coun. Rob Wolfe’s motion to set a public hearing date for Sept. 17.
The draft bylaw amendments are available online in council’s July 9 agenda package on the municipality’s website.
