By Sheldon Spackman

Ponoka preparing for pot legalization

Apr 22, 2018 | 8:57 AM

The Town of Ponoka has begun to amend its Land Use Bylaw in preparation of the expected legalization of cannabis this year.

Town officials say it’s a two part process, with part one being the amendment of the Land Use Bylaw to introduce new definitions for recreational and medical cannabis-related uses that may be associated with cannabis sales and production and regulated under municipal Land Use Bylaws.

Officials say these new and amended definitions will enable the Town to determine which land use districts these uses may be allowed in. Amended definitions being proposed include Home Business and Home Office, Retail Sales and Service Business, Food Processing Establishments and Restaurants.

Bylaw 399-18 also introduces ‘Medical Cannabis Production Facility’ as a permitted use in the Town’s Industrial Land Use Districts.

Part two of the process includes public consultation and finding suitable locations for cannabis-related uses.

'Inspiring Student Success'

Indigenous students enjoy learning about their culture at special conference

25m ago

DON'T WASTE IT

Lacombe encouraging residents to treat water as precious resource

9h ago

Ground School Training

New aviation career pathway elevates opportunities for students

18h ago

Proposed Bylaw 399-18 may also include regulations such as minimum setback distances of cannabis-related uses from places such as parks, schools and other community facilities.

Following public consultation, a second bylaw will be prepared and brought back to council with hopes of addressing suitable locations for cannabis-related retail sales and production.

Up next, a Public Hearing for Bylaw 399-18 which is scheduled for May 8, 7:00 p.m. at the Kinsmen Community Centre in Ponoka where members of the public wishing to comment on the proposed bylaw are welcome to speak.

Written comments can also be submitted by 4:00 p.m., May 2 to Parkland Community Planning Services, Attention Natasha Wright, natasha.wright@pcps.ab.ca.

Second and third readings of the proposed bylaw will take place following the Public Hearing.

In the meantime, Town officials remind residents that they cannot currently receive or approve development permits for any recreational cannabis-related uses such as retail sales in Ponoka until recreational cannabis becomes legalized by the federal government.