Cannabis stores will not be coming to Centre Wellington anytime soon.
Centre Wellington Council voted Monday night to continue to opt-out of hosting a cannabis retail location, primarily over concerns about provincial legislation, limiting the setback from schools to just 150 metres.
Councillor Bronwynne Wilton was in favour of the Township hosting a cannabis store, arguing the public wants one.
“We did have two public surveys – one in 2019…I believe and recently – both showing strong support for cannabis retail within the community,” Wilton noted.
Councillor Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy was among those on council against the proposal, concerned the province’s rules allowing cannabis stores within 150 metres of a school was too risky.
“It’s uncomfortable that it is in our space to make this decision, but in that it is in our space I cannot, knowing the dangers that proposes to our youth and with only 150 metres from a school, I simply cannot get behind it until or if the province creates more rules,” Lustgarten-Evoy said.
Wilton pointed out alcohol and alcohol advertising are abundant in the area, suggesting allowing one and not the other is hypocritical.
“[Alcohol] is also a substance that can cause damage to individuals and families,” explained Wilton. “And for some people they choose cannabis because it makes them feel better from an illness, like arthritis and things like that.”
Centre Wellington voted to opt-out but have staff monitor provincial rules and revisit the issue should municipalities be given more authority over where cannabis stores can be located.
