Public hearing Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. regarding a District of Tofino bylaw to ban the sale of legalized marijuana. Photo courtesy Google Maps.
A consideration to restrict the retail sale of legalized marijuana will be up for discussion next week in Tofino.
The District of Tofino is holding a public hearing and will talk about a proposed amendment bylaw that would cover the entire district when marijuana becomes legal this summer.
The district said the proposed zoning amendment bylaw, called Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1238, is a “cautious approach” to the storefront retail sales of marijuana. Under the current bylaw, it is arguable that the storefronts could be permitted anywhere other retail sales are.
If the bylaw is passed, the district’s council would consider applications for recreational cannabis retail on a case-by-case basis. The community would also be consulted.
The hearing starts at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and the district says anyone who feels their “interest in property” would be affected by the bylaw will be given a chance to speak on the matter.
The district is accepting written submissions of concern from the public until 4 p.m. Monday.
The hearing will take place at Tofino Municipal Hall on Campbell Street.
Councillors from the northeast B.C. town of Taylor have already passed a bylaw to prohibit sales and cultivation of cannabis.
Correction: A previous version of this story stated the district was considering a ban on marijuana sales. The district is not banning cannabis but is amending bylaws to be prepared for spot zoning regarding retail sales after legislation. The District of Tofino also revised their release to improve the understanding of the bylaw as the first announcement caused confusion on many news sites and social media platforms, not just our own.
Andy Neal
