Council will hear today whether Abbotsford residents think pot shops should be allowed within the city’s limits.
The city launched an online survey in June asking residents if the sale of non-medical marijuana should be allowed in Abbotsford and, if so, what restrictions should be placed on such stores.
Marijuana is set to become legal in Canada on Oct. 17, but municipalities will retain the power to regulate if – and where – stores that sell cannabis can operate within their boundaries.
The survey asked: “Should Abbotsford allow the sale of non-medical cannabis in its community?”
Those who respond Yes were asked to weigh in on how pot sales should be regulated. That includes whether the city should allow government and/or private stores, whether a maximum number of each stores should be set, and whether marijuana outlets should be barred from setting up near schools, day cares, parks and other sites.
Council will hear the results of the survey at today’s council meeting, which begins at 3 p.m. Members can then make a motion on how to proceed. There won’t be much time, though. Following Monday’s meeting, Council will convene just three more times before the municipal election on Oct. 20.
Four of five people who took an informal, unscientific survey on Abbynews.com said the city should allow the sale of non-medical cannabis.
In Chilliwack, a public hearing will be held next week as council considers whether to create a new cannabis retail zone.That zone would include a 300-metre buffer between shops and schools, community centres and parks.
Watch for more.