A public hearing that provided an opportunity for members of the public and stakeholders to speak for or against future cannabis retail businesses in Cochrane saw a low turnout. The town is getting a jump on how to deal with potential cannabis retailers and public consumption, ahead of the tentative federal legalization of cannabis under Bill C-45 later this year, possibly by August. As such, amendments will be made to address retailers through land use bylaw definitions, the development permit process and public consumption through the smoking bylaw. Final reading to these bylaw amendments may be given at the May 28 council session, which would become finalized once legalization comes into effect. According to the list of proposed cannabis retailers on AGLC's website, there are two current applicants in Cochrane - Canna Cabana and Clarity Cannabis, one at 120 5th Ave and the other at D1009 120 5th Ave. The lone speaker on the matter, Alberta Health Services medical officer Dr. Jason Cubaj, spoke in favour of the town's proposed route to deal with cannabis vendor applicants - noting that it appears to be a good balance. The town is proposing to increase the minimum setbacks of vendors from schools and areas frequented by children to 150-metres from 100 metres. They are also proposing the same setbacks between applicants, in order to avoid clustering of stores and potential harmful impacts this could pose on other businesses, as well as signage limitation to two signs and emphasis on well-lit parking lots. "I was surprised by the lack of turnout both for and against cannabis," said Mayor Jeff Genung, adding that the majority of concern he is hearing comes from those living in condos and apartment buildings - a resounding message that while many don't care about the choices made by other to toke, they don't want to breathe it in. Genung, who attended the mayor's caucus in Edmonton last month, said that most municipalities in the region were waiting to see what direction Calgary would take. Calgary council recently voted in favour of a ban on public consumption of cannabis with a 10-4 vote, essentially restricting consumption to private residences. Violators could face fines of $50-$100. Banff has followed suit. Consumption of cannabis is largely being treated like alcohol from a health and safety perspective, with a focus on keeping it out of the hands and vicinity of minors.
