Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Tel: 250-245-6400 Fax: 250-245-6411 Email: info@ladysmith.ca
The Town of Ladysmith has launched a public consultation to gather residents' feedback on whether recreational cannabis should be available for purchase in the community.
A letter from Mayor Stone as well as an eight question survey were delivered to every home in Ladysmith in late April. The mailed correspondence also includes a chart showing a breakdown of federal, provincial and municipal authority on the topic of non-medical cannabis.
"We take this survey very seriously and your opinions will help Council decide how to regulate the retail sale of recreational cannabis in Ladysmith," said Mayor Aaron Stone.
The survey is only open to Town residents and responses are due back by Wednesday, May 22, 2019.
Ladysmith's Zoning Bylaw currently does not allow for the recreational sale of cannabis.
Cannabis, or marijuana, refers to any product made from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. Only dried and fresh cannabis, cannabis oils and seeds, and plants for personal cultivation are legal for purchase in Canada, following legalization on Oct. 17, 2018.
The sale of edible products will remain illegal until federal legislation allows otherwise.
The Town's survey asks residents if they support or oppose the sale of recreational cannabis.
Community members are also asked to specify preferred locations for potential retail cannabis businesses and whether these store locations should be a minimum distance away from other uses such as parks, schools, playgrounds and seniors' homes.
Residents are also encouraged to join in the conversation on the Town's PlaceSpeak page – an online engagement platform where you can participate in discussion topics, take polls and even map your preferred location for a cannabis retail store.
All submitted surveys as part of this consultation process are completely anonymous and your responses will be combined together with those of other residents.
We kindly ask that you complete and return your survey using the self-addressed envelope included with each letter.