Rocky cannabis bylaw delayed by tie vote

Council directed Town administration to draft a new bylaw to be discussed at their next meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 16 – one day before cannabis becomes legal across Canada.

Town Communications Officer Laura Button says Council requested that the new bylaw allow for some cannabis consumption in public while still addressing the concerns heard from residents such as consumption at recreation facilities, smoke and exposure to minors.

Should council not approve a new bylaw on Oct. 16, Button says the Town would default to provincial regulations until one is passed.

Rocky Mountain House Mayor Tammy Burke says she looks forward to seeing what administration brings back to council October 16.

“It’s a big decision,” she exclaims. “Every municipality in Alberta and in Canada for that matter is facing the same situation, they have to find a way to hopefully make most people happy. It’s a tough decision so we really just want to make sure that we get it right.”

However, Burke admits they could revisit the bylaw six months or a year down the road if they feel it’s not working out well for the community.

“The main thing is, we’ve asked administration for a second draft that allows for some public consumption while still addressing the major concerns of residents like smoke and exposure to minors.“

by Sheldon Spackman and Troy Gillard

Rocky cannabis bylaw delayed by tie vote

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