The decision was unanimous by Parry Sound Council.
The Town has officially opted-in to a cannabis retail store at Tuesday’s council meeting.
A the meeting, residents expressed their concerns including an increased potential for children to access cannabis, mental and physical health symptoms among users and concerns about a community’s dependence on cannabis. Other residents expressed support for increased revenue for the town and access to legal medication.
Mayor Jamie McGarvey reiterated that the town could benefit from the funds received by the province.
After the January 22nd deadline, the province will provide municipalities funding on a per-household basis, adjusted so that at least $5,000 is provided to each municipality. This funding will support initial costs related to hosting retail storefronts. Municipalities that have opted-out will receive only a second $5,000 each to address costs from unforeseen circumstances related to the legalization of recreational cannabis.
Parry Sound won’t see a cannabis retail store any time soon as the province has expressed supply issues and has agreed to revisit the issue in April.