The Regional District of Central Okanagan Board has given first reading to bylaw amendments prohibiting the retail sale of cannabis within its’ electoral areas. Similar moves are happening all across the country as governing bodies create time to properly screen all applications, regardless of the Canadian legalization date of October 17th.
“Everybody wants to try to get their ducks in order before the (federal) legislation takes effect. Then they can make the changes that they need to, once they see what the legislation finally shakes out like, from the Federal Government,” says Bruce Smith, Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs Officer for the RDCO.
Smith admits the District is not necessarily a retail mecca, “It’s not like we have strip malls, or anything like that, or malls or shopping centres, but it could potentially be under business-commercial or some other kind zoning like that. We’re just trying to get a proactive measure, to get us in line prior to the legalization.”
The RDCO has also introduced regulations involving production on agricultural land within the RDCO. The bylaws restrictions are in line with what the Province introduced earlier this year.
The Board intends to hold a public hearing on, or around their next scheduled meeting on September 24th to gain residents’ perspectives. The following meeting is October 11th, where the Board is likely to approve the amendments. Just ahead of the legal date.