Windsor says yes to pot stores

City of Windsor council has voted 8-3 to allow private marijuana retail storesin the city.

The meeting saw many delegates opposed to cannabis store, some citing effects on mental health and influences on children as reasons.

"Many people influenced by others," said Jordan Qu, resident of Ward 7. "So I'm sure if Windsor have a store to sell the marijuana easily, then more young people will use the marijuana."

On the other hand, cannabis advocate Leo Lucier said having such storeswould be a "cash cow" for the city.

He also compared people's attitudes toward cannabis versus alcohol and tobacco, saying "nobody's ever died from cannabis use" but there are "millions of deaths worldwide" that are tobacco-related.

Store locations

The locations of potential storeswas a hot topic of the night, given that Windsor will not be able to control where stores go.

In administration's report to council, it says stores will be permitted "anywhere in Windsor where a retail store is permitted."

The only restriction set by the province is the store can't be located less than 150 metres away from a school.

The report also says the governing body, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, may approve store locations close to community centres, parks, hospitals, long-term care homes and addiction treatment facilities.

Even so, some councillors said it's important to have regulated and controlled marijuana sales in the community.

"Marijuana has been with us for so long," said Ward 4 Coun. Chris Holt. "The fear mongering is wrong headed and it's not going to accomplish anything."

Ward 6 Coun. Jo-Anne Gignac said education will go a long way to help address issues with youth and cannabis consumption.

Meanwhile, mayor Drew Dilkens maintained his stance that opting out is the best option for Windsor.

He said by not opting out, the councillors were "throwing away all of the leverage and the only leverage" to press the province on providing stricter regulations for stores.

But Ward 2 Coun. Fabio Costante isn't convinced saying no would do anything.

"I'm not persuaded that opting out gives us additional leverage to allow for more local zoning rights."

Administration says in the report that the city will receive $253,279 from the province to help manage legalization. Then there will be a second payment from a fund of $15 million Ontario has set aside for communities that welcome private retail.

Windsor joins Amherstburg, Kingsville, Essex, Sarnia, Leamington, Pelee Island and Chatham-Kent in having said yes to these stores.

Retail marijuana stores will be legal April 1.