Pubdate: Sat, 05 Nov 2016
Source: Daily Observer, The (Pembroke, CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Pembroke Daily Observer
Contact: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/letters
Website: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2615
Author: Stephen Uhler
Page: A1

CONTROLS FOR POT SHOPS

Bracing itself for the possible legalization of marijuana, Pembroke
will be looking at ways to regulate cannabis retail operations through
its zoning bylaws.

On Tuesday, Colleen Sauriol, planning and building department manager,
told the planning and development committee city council received a
request from the Pembroke Police Services Board to consider putting in
place some sort of control over where such stores could be located.

She said the police board is concerned about possible marijuana retail
stores setting up within the city in inappropriate areas, such as near
schools. The board is requesting council give consideration to
providing controls over the retail sales of marijuana through the
city's zoning bylaw.

"They want some control through zoning to restrict where marijuana
shops could be set up," Sauriol said, explaining police are worried
what is happening in Ottawa and elsewhere may happen here.

"Presently there are several retail locations within Ottawa that are
selling marijuana and marijuana products and there are no zoning
controls in place," she said. "The Pembroke Police Services Board is
concerned this may happen in Pembroke without any zoning bylaw
restrictions." Sauriol said by amending the zoning bylaw, these
controls could be put in place before such stores are set up in
anticipation of legalization of marijuana. This would give the city
say in where they would be permitted to locate, and give the public an
opportunity to provide input as well through the zoning process.

Deputy Mayor Ron Gervais, who also sits as the chairman of the police
services board, said the concern is if these stores get set up ahead
of time before the city can get these regulations in place, they would
be impossible to relocate after the fact.

Coun. Pat Lafreniere, planning and development committee chairwoman,
said council should direct Sauriol to look into what other communities
have been doing to regulate this, and report back at the next
committee meeting with options.
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MAP posted-by: Matt