Council to make decision on cannabis stores soon: Public survey shows 68% in favour

By Lindsey Stuckless

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Haldimand County Council will wait to hear from the public at Monday’s Council meeting before making a decision on whether they will opt-in or opt-out of recreational cannabis stores in the County.

“We have already decided that we will hear and discuss this report today, but we want to give the public the chance to speak on Monday before we make our final decision,” said Mayor Ken Hewitt.

The County’s final decision must be given to the Province by January 22, 2019.

In a staff report presented to Council on Tuesday, January 15, results from an online survey showed that 68% of survey participants were in favour of allowing cannabis retail stores in the county, while 24% wanted to opt-out and 7% wanted to opt-out for now but consider opting-in at a later date. In addition, the clerk received nine written notices against and two for opting-in.

“I have to believe that this is a credible number based on previous surveys and we can draw that the majority are in favour of opting-in,” said Councillor Bernie Corbett.