Pubdate: Fri, 05 Jan 2018
Source: Nelson Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2018 Black Press
Contact:  http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/nelsonstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4866
Author: Bill Metcalfe
Page: A2
Referenced: Public Hearing agenda http://mapinc.org/url/wkVqeGqf

PUBLIC HEARING ON RECREATIONAL POT NEXT WEEK

Nelson council will hold a public hearing on Monday about its
intention to disallow recreational cannabis businesses at least until
July. It plans to do this through change to its zoning bylaw.

Council decided in December that it wants this moratorium because it
does not want anyone opening up a recreational cannabis business in
Nelson before federal and provincial rules are made known in the
summer, and before council has carried out a public consultation
process that will start this month.

This move to regulate recreational cannabis sales is unrelated to the
current six medical cannabis dispensaries in the city and will not
affect them. The bylaw amendment is aimed at potential recreational
cannabis businesses.

Whenever a city council proposes a change to zoning - that is, a
change to the purpose for which a property is allowed to be used - it
must convene a public hearing at which neighbours and others affected
by the change can have their say.

In this case it could be said that the neighbours include everyone in
the city, because the proposed zoning change would outlaw recreational
cannabis businesses in all zones in the city until July.

Nelson's approximately two dozen zones designate not only the
activities that can be undertaken in each zone but also such things as
the size, type, and density of buildings.

At its Dec. 4 meeting, council introduced the amendment to its zoning
bylaw and passed first and second reading. Before the third reading a
public hearing must be held, as mandated by the provincial Local
Government Act.

Residents may attend the hearing to express their opinions, or send in
a written submission by mail or email before 4:30 p.m. on the day of
the hearing.

Public hearings have a set format. During the hearing, council does
not discuss the issue at hand, respond to the submissions, or answer
questions. Their job is simply to listen.

Immediately after the hearing, council will vote on a third reading of
the bylaw.

The hearing starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

The city has announced that it intends to begin an extensive public
consultation process this month to determine what its long-term
approach to cannabis sales should be.

"Ultimately, the province will legislate how businesses will operate
in the future," said Mayor Deb Kozak.

"In the meantime, the proposed bylaw places a moratorium on any new
businesses opening while giving the broader community a chance to be
heard."
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MAP posted-by: Matt