Windsor’s next city council will decide if retail marijuana shops should be allowed in the city.
Chief Administrative Officer Onorio Colucci says there are a lot of unknowns right now and they need more information to make an informed decision.
Colucci was in Toronto last week to meet with other municipal administrative officers, where he says the issue of retail cannabis shops was discussed.
“There's some angst, but we also heard that more information is coming out,” says Colucci. “We're hopeful that we'll get that information in time to make an informed decision on whether to opt in or opt out."
Colucci tells CTV Windsor staff will prepare a report to bring back to council in the new year.
Ontario municipalities have until Jan. 22 to determine whether they will allow pot shops or not.
Under the rules laid out by the provincial government -- municipalities can opt out, and then opt back in later. But if communities opt in, there’s no turning back.
The new Windsor city council will be voted in at the municipal election on Oct. 22.
The Town of Essex is also updating its bylaws to deal with the new cannabis legislation.
Councillor Steve Bjorkman tabled a notice of motion on Monday, asking for a report to see how the new legislation fits with the existing municipal bylaws.
Bjorkman tells AM800 News council needs to make sure these retail locations offer the least inconvenience to surrounding residents and businesses.
Online cannabis sales will begin Oct. 17 and retail shops will open in April 2019.
