A timeline has been determined for the of Port Moody's consultation on the possible introduction of marijuana retailers.
Recreational pot is to become legal in Canada Oct. 17 so the city wants to talk to residents and business owners about whether stores should be permitted and, if so, where they should go and under what guidelines and regulations. In addition, the city will seek feedback on potential regulations for personal cannabis cultivation.
A report to council Tuesday said in addition to putting out a feedback survey, the city plans to hold a stakeholder meeting with potential store owners and operators in early November, with a public open house later that month.
The consultations would cost about $1,700, with the results presented to council in January. The report also suggested a couple of areas in Moody Centre as appropriate for cannabis retail outlets because they are the only ones outside of a 150-metre buffer zone for schools and daycares.
Mayor Mike Clay said he was vehemently opposed to weed shops in any areas being mentioned as possibilities.
“We’re not going to say these are the areas we’re going to go,” said Clay. “We’re not going to have any stores until [the consultation] is done.”
Coun. Zoe Royer said while she supported legalization she’s not sure she wants any stores selling pot in Port Moody. Coun. Barbara Junker noted there aren’t likely to be many areas within the city that are outside the suggested buffer zones.
“I’m not sure our city is where we should have these places,” said Junker.
Their comments come despite council previously approving city staff to prepare zoning bylaws defining retail cannabis stores, starting the consultation process and developing a business licence regime for them.
