From: Dave Barrow [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 3:35 PM To: Tallidis, Kathy
Good Afternoon, I have asked to staff to advise of the process that we understand will take place. I will forward another piece of correspondence following this.
My understanding of the process for determining locations of retail cannabis stores is as follows as per communications from the Province to date:
The Province has indicated that guidelines as to retail locations are under development with input from AMO. The guidelines are to achieve geographic distribution of stores across the province and reduce the number of illegal stores currently in operation. In addition, the guidelines have the objective of ensuring youth are protected including ensuring stores are not located in close proximity to schools. As municipalities are identified, letters from the Ministry of Finance will be sent to the municipal Clerk or CAO of that municipality. Ministry of Finance staff will also work to notify heads of Council in identified municipalities in advance of these letters and will work with these municipalities to continue an open dialogue to ensure Council’s perspectives are considered. The letters will request meetings with municipal staff, Ministry of Finance staff and the LCBO to discuss the guidelines and a process for siting stores, how the LCBO will address local concerns, and municipal interests in siting. Municipalities selected for initial stores will be identified on a website maintained by the LCBO at http://www/lcbocannabisupdates.com. In addition, a notice will be posted at the location to let the public know that a space has been selected for a proposed storefront. Before any decisions are made, there will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed location, directly with the LCBO. More specific information on this process will be provided to staff in municipalities impacted at the appropriate time. On November 3, 2017 the first fourteen municipalities to host a retail cannabis location were announced. The municipalities identified are: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Hamilton, Barrie, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Windsor. The consultation process identified above will now begin for these municipalities.
To date, I have not seen anything that refers specifically to school board involvement in the process. Perhaps, if Richmond Hill is identified as site for a retail location in the future, the Town could ask the Province or LCBO to include the school board in any discussions related to a specific location.
Dave Barrow, Mayor Town of Richmond Hill 905-771-2493 [email protected]