Town of Kindersley council approves cannabis zoning

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

Kindersley town council has approved zoning changes that allow cannabis retail stores in two commercial districts. The bylaw passed all three readings at the Apr. 20 regular meeting of council.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Marty Baroni presented councillors with Bylaw 03-26, described as a bylaw to amend Kindersley's zoning bylaw.

Kindersley town council approved zoning changes Apr. 20 that allow cannabis retail stores in two commercial districts. Screenshot

The proposed bylaw stated, "Section 8.13 C2 – Core Area Commercial District Subsection (2) Land Uses Allowed in Zone is amended by adding the following under Discretionary Uses: 'Cannabis Retail Store.'

"Section 8.15 C4 – Shopping Centre Commercial District Subsection (2) Land Uses Allowed in Zone is amended by adding the following under Discretionary Uses: 'Cannabis Retail Store.'"

Baroni provided a verbal update on the bylaw, noting councillors passed first reading on Mar. 23. The bylaw was subsequently advertised publicly for two weeks.

The CAO stated no written submissions either for or against the bylaw were received. In addition, he observed that council held a public hearing for the proposed bylaw earlier in the current council meeting and there were no members of the public in attendance. Therefore, councillors could consider second and third readings.

Readers should note non-medical or recreational cannabis is legal in Saskatchewan with regulations. According to the provincial government website, "The decision to legalize cannabis was made by the federal government, but provinces and territories have the responsibility of regulating certain areas." It was further noted users must be 19 years of age or older, there is zero tolerance for driving a motor vehicle while under the effects of cannabis, using cannabis in a vehicle, either by the driver or passenger, is prohibited, cannabis must be sold through proper regulated channels or retailers that require certain municipal bylaws in place, cannabis can be grown legally at home under certain rules, it's not permitted to use cannabis in public places, and users are reminded that travelling with cannabis can be tricky because some jurisdictions such as the United States haven't legalized it everywhere.

Councillors approved all further readings of the bylaw to bring it into force.