The Town of Drumheller will be hosting a marijuana legalization information session and public hearing later this month as the municipality prepares for marijuana legalization. This comes as the federal government passed third reading of Justin Trudeau’s legalization bill which pushed marijuana legalization one step closer to becoming reality.
Drumheller council will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 25 at their regular council meeting to hear from individuals affected by proposed amendments to the town land use by-law in anticipation of legal retail cannabis stores in Drumheller. Council passed a first reading of the amendment at their meeting on May 28 which defines terms such as ‘cannabis cafe’ and ‘cannabis retail sales,’ as well as proposed restrictions on the minimum distance these stores could operate near schools and hospitals. Retail marijuana can not be sold at businesses within 300 metres of another marijuana retail store, within 150 metres of a school, or within 100 metres of hospitals. The restrictions are similar to those placed on liquor stores.
Town CAO Darryl Drohomerski said the public hearing and information session will not be a forum discussing marijuana legalization but will allow council to demonstrate that the new provisions will be similar to those of liquor stores and to hear from residents who will be affected by the legislation. The information session will inform the public on the land use bylaw aspect of legalization.
In addition to the public hearing, the town will host an information night at the Badlands Community Facility to help inform the public on the land-use aspect of cannabis legalization in Drumheller and allow residents to ask questions in a more informal setting on Wednesday, June 20 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.
There are three parties interested in starting marijuana retail stores in Drumheller once legalization happens. There are no limits on the number of retail stores allowed to operate in town.
Those wishing to submit a letter to be read at the hearing should address the letters to the Town of Drumheller and submit them before 4 p.m. on June 25.
The public hearing will be held at the town council chambers at Drumheller Town Hall at 4:30 on June 25.
