By Sheldon Spackman

Rocky council to review possible draft cannabis consumption bylaw

Oct 3, 2018 | 6:56 PM

With the looming legalization of cannabis in Canada just two weeks away, the Town of Rocky Mountain House is continuing its efforts in preparing for October 17 by drafting a possible cannabis consumption bylaw.

Town officials say establishing such a bylaw could help regulate the smoking and vaping of cannabis products within town limits.

As part of the process, public feedback was gathered through various forms from September 5 – 28, including an online survey, town hall meeting, telephone, email and Facebook.

According to town officials, 596 survey responses were received, with 188 of them either completely agreeing or somewhat agreeing that adults should be able to smoke cannabis anywhere you can smoke tobacco. In addition, those who support public consumption are not concerned about enforcement and fully support ‘cannabis gardens’.

However, 344 respondents strongly disagree that adults should be allowed to consume cannabis anywhere tobacco is allowed as per provincial law but 80 of them supported cannabis gardens at public events.

"Slow Roll"

Central Alberta RCMP advise of potential traffic disruptions during weekend

23m ago

Chad Krahn

2024 By-Election results declared official

27m ago

Two-Year Diploma

Red Deer Polytechnic creates accelerated Practical Nurse Diploma pathway for health care professionals

4h ago

Meanwhile, designated cannabis consumption areas at festivals and events was also supported by 255 of the survey respondents, including 80 who otherwise strongly disagree with public cannabis consumption.

Survey results also showed that individuals who identified themselves as a business owner or manager were more accommodating and preferred to see cannabis either fully allowed or regulated like alcohol. But 406 survey respondents agreed The Town should include tobacco smoke with a public cannabis consumption bylaw.

Other survey results show that respondents who were accommodating to public cannabis consumption still had concerns regarding second-hand smoke and smell, while most people agree a private backyard is an acceptable place to consume cannabis. Several people however did not support consumption on private balconies and porches, especially in duplex, fourplex, apartment or condominium housing.

Overall, respondents want to limit children’s exposure to cannabis or prevent it altogether, with town officials also noting several respondents wanting to see smoking laws enforced more strictly, especially around the hospital and arenas.

Laura Button, Communications Coordinator for the Town of Rocky Mountain House says council has taken a proactive approach in preparing for cannabis legalization.

“Earlier this year, council amended its Land Use Bylaw to accommodate retail cannabis in certain areas within Rocky Mountain House like central commercial, highway commercial and light industrial,” she explains. “The other thing that council is currently considering and has not made any final decisions yet is whether or not to implement a cannabis consumption bylaw to regulate public consumption of cannabis. So council had its first look at the public feedback during Tuesday’s meeting and has directed Administration to put together a first draft of the bylaw, taking into account the provincial legislation, so council will look at it October 9.”