The current mayor of Perth, Ont., running for re-election, plans to suggest a minimum 12-month pause on privately-operated cannabis shops in the eastern Ontario town if he secures another term.
John Fenik mentioned that he would bring forward this motion at a town council meeting in December if he wins against his two competitors, Deputy Mayor John Gemmell and Coun. Jim Boldt.
“I’m really big on learning from others about something new, and then applying [those lessons] to Perth – and making sure that, if we do go forward with retail cannabis stores, that we do it right,” Fenik told CBC News on Thursday.
In August, the provincial government shared that municipalities would have a one-time chance to opt out of allowing retail cannabis outlets.
However, provincial representatives also informed municipal leaders that a final date for opting out had not yet been established.
This means newly elected local politicians could face a very brief period to determine if they want brick-and-mortar cannabis shops in their towns.
‘Better to hold back’
Fenik expressed concerns that privately-run cannabis stores present various challenges for smaller municipalities like Perth – which typically operate with tighter budgets.
“If we have to hire another bylaw enforcement officer, that costs [money] and that draws on our coffers,” Fenik said.
“When you do zoning amendments, that costs money. Police, calls for service, nuisance complaints – that costs money.”
The town also has a provincial offences court, which Fenik pointed out could incur higher costs if there is an increase in charges related to smoking recreational marijuana publicly.
There’s a whole, whole bunch of unanswered questions here. John Fenik
Legalizing cannabis might also create more financial strain on local addiction services, he added.
“There’s a whole, whole bunch of unanswered questions here. And I think that until the provincial government tackles some of this.. it’s better to hang back and just see how things roll out,” Fenik said.
Smaller communities like Perth, Ont., have smaller budgets to deal with potential issues caused by the arrival of cannabis retailers, Fenik said. (Aislinn May/CBC)
Rival Disagrees
Not all of Fenik’s rivals support his stance.
BOLDT , A TWO – TERM PERTH COUNCILLOR , STATED ON FRIDAY THAT WHILE HE WOULD HAVE PREFERRED THE PROVINCE TO MANAGE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS SALES – AS THE PREVIOUS LIBERAL GOVERNMENT HAD INTENDED – HE WOULDN’T BE ADVOCATING FOR ANY TYPE OF PAUSE ON PRIVATE STORES IF HE BECOMES MAYOR.
” THERE’S NO QUESTION THAT THIS WHOLE ISSUE OF CANNABIS SALES IN CANADA , IT’S LIKE A BIG FREIGHT TRAIN BEARING DOWN ON US. AND WE’RE ALL A LITTLE BIT NERVOUS ,” BOLDT SAID.
” AS A MAYOR , I HAVE TO BE READY TO ACCEPT ALL CHALLENGES THAT COME BEFORE ME. I’M NOT THE KIND OF GUY THAT WANTS TO WAIT TO SEE WHAT OTHER TOWNSHIPS OR CITIES OR WHATEVER DO. BECAUSE AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED , WE’RE NOT GOING TO STOP IT.”
BOLDT AGREED WITH FENIK THAT THERE WOULD BE CHALLENGES WITH LEGALIZATION , PARTICULARLY AROUND POLICING COSTS. ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE HANDLE CRIME COMPLAINTS IN TOWN , BUT BOLDT SAID THE FEE PERTH PAYS FOR THOSE SERVICES COULD RISE IF THERE WERE A SPIKE IN CANNABIS – RELATED CALLS.
” IF I HAD MY DRUTHERS , I’D RATHER [CANNABIS SALES] NOT COME AT ALL , EITHER. BUT LIKE I SAID , IT’S COMING LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN , AND WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT.”
IN AN EMAIL TO , GEMMELL STATED HE AGREED WITH FENIK THAT THE TOWN SHOULD TAKE A WAIT – AND – SEE APPROACH , NOTING CONCERNS FROM POLICE ABOUT LEGALIZED CANNABIS TIMELINES.
VOTERS IN PERTH CAST BALLOTS ON OCTOBER 22.
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