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Powassan set to decide on pot stores

North Bay, Toronto are in while Mississauga and Markham are out

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Members of Powassan council are to decide Dec. 18 whether to approve legal cannabis sales in their community.

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“Staff is trying to provide as much information as they possibly can” to help councillors decide whether the community will opt in or out of cannabis sales, Mayor Peter McIsaac says.

“We have to make a decision on it one way or the other,” McIsaac said.

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McIsaac said he asked the issue be included on council’s agenda to determine exactly what direction the municipality will take.

The Progressive Conservative government has given communities until Jan. 22 to decide.

McIsaac said his position has not changed since Day 1.

“This is a business opportunity and we welcome that,” he said.

“The federal government made it legal and the province is making all the rules, so if somebody wants to take on the risk and they meet all the requirements, I will welcome them.”

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McIsaac said he has had “a couple of people chat with me” about the prospect of a storefront operation in the community.

“There are people out there kicking the tires,” McIsaac said.

The province originally decided bricks-and-mortar cannabis stores could open April 1.

However, it has now decided to phase in the stories with only the first 25 to open April 1. A lottery system will be used to determine who gets the first 25 licences.

So far, North Bay, Toronto and Ottawa are in. However, Mississauga and Markham, among others, have opted out, with Mississauga saying the province has not given municipalities any control over where the shops can be located. It may choose to opt in at a later date.

In the application process, potential store owners will need to explain and describe site details, security plans, goods protection practices and record keeping, which all needs to be approved and in place before construction can start.

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There are 14 mandatory health warnings that have to be placed on products. As well, the packaging and branding must be plain so as to not entice children. The manufacturer’s name, email and telephone number also must be displayed on each product.

The fees associated with opening up a retail store haven’t been disclosed at this time.

The province also announced it will give municipalities $40 million over two years to help them cover costs related to legalization, and promised to consult with municipalities and other stakeholders to develop a regulatory framework it said will be aimed at keeping youth, roads, workplaces and neighbourhoods safe.

– With Nugget, CP files

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