Meadow Lake starts official talks on cannabis policy
Administration and council from the City of Meadow Lake are aiming to have draft bylaws on cannabis in place by late April.
At their meeting on Monday, March 26, City Manager Diana Burton and City Clerk Jessica Walters presented a detailed report with background information and research on the topic, along with a list of recommendations on how the city could proceed with zoning and other policies surrounding cannabis in the community. The recommendations included amending the zoning bylaw to allow for a retail cannabis outlet and cannabis production, reviewing the entire business licence bylaw, and determining pot-related workplace policies.
The city was given one permit from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority to open a cannabis retail establishment in the city. Before this can be done, however, council must decide what safeguards and policies will be established.
For the zoning portion, Burton said council can decide if the rules around the retail outlet will be permanent or discretionary, adding they can impose additional restrictions if they choose, such as establishing a minimum distance from alcohol retailers, schools, childcare facilities, or other public spaces.