Niagara Falls may consider the possibility of licensed cannabis consumption lounges once recreational marijuana is legalized this summer. Coun. Wayne Thomson said he's notified Niagara Falls Tourism, of which he's the chairman, the provincial government is considering allowing such establishments, and is asking the public to weigh in on the idea. "I've already sent it to Niagara Falls Tourism to get the feedback from some of the hotels, whether they feel that they're comfortable with this, or they're not," he said. [continues 542 words]
Funding for pot shops needed after 'modest revenue' projections, says finance minister The province and municipalities will incur up-front incremental costs as a result of the federal government's decision to legalize recreational marijuana, says Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa. In a recent letter to municipalities identified by the province to host initial cannabis retail stores by July, including Niagara Falls, Sousa said "it appears unlikely" there will be enough revenue to cover the costs associated with legalization. He said with the conclusion of the federal government's consultation with provinces and territories on the tax framework, the Ontario government has a better understanding of the revenue share to address the costs of legalization. [continues 609 words]
Province grants cannabis store to Niagara Falls Niagara Falls will receive at least one government-run pot shop when recreational marijuana becomes legal next July. On Tuesday night, Coun. Wayne Thomson read a letter from Ontario Ministry of Finance sent to the city and dated Nov. 28 that the popular tourist destination has been identified "for the location of at least one initial cannabis retail store by July 2018." Thomson, along with Mayor Jim Diodati, voiced their disappointment when the Honeymoon Capital wasn't among the first 14 cities announced earlier this month by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to host a legal pot shop next July. [continues 929 words]
Wayne Thomson hopes his fellow city councillors will support a resolution he plans to bring forward at a Nov. 28 meeting calling on the province to set up a pot shop in Niagara Falls. "That would increase our visitation substantially, create all kinds of jobs, and really be an economic opportunity for us," said the veteran politician and chairman of Niagara Falls Tourism. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario, which will run new marijuana stores through a subsidiary, recently announced the first 14 cities where legal pot shops will be located when recreational marijuana becomes legal next July. [continues 723 words]
Jeff McGuire doesn't envy the position his former police chief colleague Bill Blair is in. Blair, who served as the Toronto Police chief from 2005 until his retirement in 2015, is now the parliamentary secretary to the federal Liberal justice minister, and is handling the government's pot legalization file. "I got a lot of respect for Bill Blair," said McGuire, who is chief of the Niagara Regional Police. "It's a big job, it's a big move, it's not simple, and it will be interesting to see how quickly they're able to move forward on this." [continues 897 words]
Jeff McGuire doesn't envy the position his former police chief colleague Bill Blair is in. Blair, who served as the Toronto Police chief from 2005 until his retirement in 2015, is now the parliamentary secretary to the federal Liberal justice minister, and is handling the government's pot legalization file. "I got a lot of respect for Bill Blair," said McGuire, who is chief of the Niagara Regional Police. "It's a big job, it's a big move, it's not simple, and it will be interesting to see how quickly they're able to move forward on this." [continues 899 words]
Hoping the new federal Liberal government comes through on its election promise to legalize marijuana, pro-pot activists are ready for the annual 420 rally in Niagara Falls Wednesday. The rally calls for the repeal of prohibition of marijuana. The event is scheduled to start around noon at Victoria Avenue and Highway 420. From there, participants are expected to march down Victoria Avenue and Clifton Hill, culminating at Queen Victoria Park at 4:20 p.m. According to a public event page on Facebook, prizes will be given for best costume, best sign and fanciest joint, as well as other giveaways. [continues 216 words]
They are known as weed socks. To 13-year-old Bethany Aello, they are just the latest cool and trendy piece of clothing that all her friends are wearing. But apparently they are not appropriate to show off at Prince Philip Public School. The garment is officially called HUF Plantlife, but are also known as weed socks. They come in different colours and styles, and have a number of marijuana leaf symbols on them. Aello's mother, Tiffany, was taken aback about what unfolded earlier this week at the Niagara Falls elementary school. [continues 966 words]
Each Medical Marijuana Application Must Go Before Council Niagara Falls will consider medical marijuana facilities on a site-by-site basis. That means each application to Health Canada to operate in the city will have to go before municipal council for planning approval, and be subject to a public meeting. The site-by-site motion was put forward by Coun. Carolynn Ioannoni, who said it will allow politicians to closely scrutinize each application, and allow residents to make their views heard. [continues 484 words]
Each medical marijuana application must go before council Niagara Falls will consider medical marijuana facilities on a site-by-site basis. That means each application to Health Canada to operate in the city will have to go before municipal council for planning approval, and be subject to a public meeting. The site-by-site motion was put forward by Coun. Carolynn Ioannoni, who said it will allow politicians to closely scrutinize each application, and allow residents to make their views heard. [continues 486 words]
It's a burning issue that created a buzz at a Niagara Falls federal election debate Monday night. Candidates from the riding's Conservative, NDP, Liberal and Green parties were asked if they believe the federal government should legalize marijuana. The answers provided a stark contrast between the candidates. "We are not about to legalize marijuana," incumbent Conservative MP Rob Nicholson said during the live TVCogeco broadcast. "We believe there are health risks to young people. We've taken action against grow ops. We've taken action against people trying to bring drugs, whether it be marijuana or other drugs, into this country. We have tightened up the laws. We think (legalization would be) a bad idea." [continues 630 words]
From sugar to pot? If may take a while, but the process has begun for medical marijuana grow operations to start sprouting up in Niagara Falls. The city's committee of adjustment approved two zoning variances for the former Redpath Sugar plant on Garner Rd. and the former Kimberly Clark factory on Victoria Ave. The owners of both buildings applied to the committee so that a "nurser y for trees, plants and shrubs" could be added to the list of permitted uses on those properties. [continues 745 words]
Councillor unhappy with way pot proposal dealt with, mayor says proper guidelines followed Residents and councillors should have been given more information about two medical marijuana applications that went before the city's committee of adjustment, says Coun. Carolynn Ioannoni. While public notices were posted about the committee meeting, it was described as being for the consideration of a "nursery for the growing of trees, shrubs and plants." There was no specific mention of medical marijuana, which Ioannoni said was deceiving. [continues 513 words]
