City council committee to discuss new zoning bylaws for cannabis stores
A city council committee will soon discuss new zoning bylaws for retail cannabis stores.
Walking down Osborne Street, pedestrians have a wide variety of cannabis retailers to choose from.
"Yeah, I've seen a lot pop up over the past couple of years around here," said Natasha Kuzyk, who was walking in Osborne Village.
"I've noticed a steady increase around here. I haven't been paying too much attention, but I have noticed a lot more people smoking out in the open in the area," noted Roth Kensley-Speelman, who was also walking in Osborne Village.
A new City of Winnipeg report said Osborne Village is one of three Winnipeg neighbourhoods to have cannabis retailers within 50 metres of each other.
The report is recommending cannabis bylaws be part of the upcoming City of Winnipeg bylaw review.
John Arbuthnot, the CEO of Delta 9 Cannabis, said the rise in stores could be traced back to when the province dropped its zoning rules in June 2020.
"That competition is becoming quite fierce. It's not uncommon in some areas such as Osborne Village, Corydon as well, to see multiple competitors popping up within only a few block radius," said Arbuthnot.
According to the city, in October 2020, Winnipeg had approximately 14 cannabis stores. As of October 2021, the city said there are now 73.
The increase has caught Councillor Ross Eadie's attention.
"When you have a lot of that, it's giving almost a marijuana district to aspect to it saying this is the sort of societal, cultural image happening in the Osborne Village or whatever," said Eadie.
Along with the density of the stores, another concern is that no zoning bylaw exists to stop stores from opening beside schools and parks.
"No matter what we do to the zoning bylaw in the future, those existing places that are close to schools will remain there. There is not going to be any tool to remove them," noted Eadie.
The idea of tighter restrictions of stores has Winnipeggers split, with some CTV News spoke to saying a little more regulation is needed
"I think that is probably a good idea," said Kensley-Speelman.
"I really can't think of a reason to. If people want access to it, they are going to find it," said Kuzyk.
"I agree with the schools. I think maybe four blocks away from schools," said Phoenix Kawakami.
The zoning bylaws will be discussed at the Property and Development Committee meeting on December 2.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.