There isn't enough weed money coming Windsor's way.
Ward 6 city councillor Jo-Anne Gignac is sounding off on the federal government's formula that will see legalized recreational pot sales divided up between the different levels of government.
Gignac says border cities like Windsor are likely to incur higher costs, between different levels of enforcement, thanks to American visitors crossing the border to try legal weed.
She points to American visitors crossing the border to enjoy the younger drinking age in Ontario and gamble at the casino as examples of situations that have led to higher enforcement costs in Windsor.
Gignac feels the plan approved for the first year of legal pot sales needs to be revised. "It's not fair and it's not reasonable that municipal taxpayers should carry the burden of additional costs whether it be for policing enforcement or by-law enforcement."
"As it stands now, property tax dollars are going to be diverted from their intended use," says Gignac. "We need it for roads. We need it for sewers. We need it for policing and firefighting. In the discussions at the [Windsor] police board, we know that the challenges are going to be significant."
In sitting on the Windsor Police Services Board, Gignac stresses legal weed poses significant challenges for the city. "We know when they're significant, guess what? They're costly," says Gignac. "We're looking at somehow making sure that we can mitigate those impacts."
Mayor Drew Dilkens stresses Windsor's unique position has been made clear to upper levels of government and expects the city will be "made whole" going forward.
Legal recreational pot use is expected to be rolled out this summer.