Amherstburg wants to know what its residents think of cannabis retail shops in the town.
Mayor Aldo DiCarlo says council is looking for feedback as municipalities have the option to opt in or out when it comes to allowing the storefronts.
The local health unit and town officials will be on hand for a public meeting Thursday to discuss the issue.
"This is something we obviously are going to have to make a decision on fairly quickly according to the provincial government," says DiCarlo. "I'm always looking for the details and I think there's some obvious things that have to be addressed, how close to schools and public recreation places? All that kind of stuff."
According to DiCarlo, most of the residents he's spoken to are in favour of cannabis stores in the town.
Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo takes his seat during budget talks on January 10, 2017. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
"I can't honestly say that I've gotten a lot of negative feedback from the residents," he says. "I think most people, even the ones that have no intention of using it, do appreciate that it's going to be a business. So why wouldn't we take advantage of the businesses and whatever comes with it."
DiCarlo says this will be one of the first items the new council will tackle after being sworn in next month.
"At that point, I'm not sure exactly where we'll have to go procedurally, but I'm sure it'll come to this council fairly quickly. This is something that is obviously going to affect everyone somehow, so we always want feedback from the residents."
The public meeting takes place at the Libro Centre from 6pm to 8pm.
If you can't make it to the meeting, but would still like to provide feedback a survey is available for residents until November 30.
Retail pot shops will be legal in Ontario in April 2019.
The Ontario government released regulations on Wednesday that will guide the startup of private cannabis stores.
The stand-alone stores can be open any day between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., they must be at least 150 metres away from schools only people 19-years-old and over are permitted inside.
Applications for licences will begin on Dec. 17 and illegal cannabis retailers who were operating after legalization on Oct. 17 will not be eligible to receive cannabis sales licences.
Municipalities have until January 22nd to decide if they want to allow cannabis stores within municipal limits.
— with files from AM800's Rob Hindi