The following is an important message from the City of Calgary about providing input on cannabis legalization. Click here for our FAQ on cannabis legalization at the municipal level. Click here to view the report on the land use aspects of cannabis legalization.
The City of Calgary is fast approaching two key dates in determining how recreational cannabis will be regulated in our city. Here’s what you need to know.
Tuesday, April 3: proposed rules on public consumption and business licensing go to Committee
On April 3 at 9:30 a.m., City Administration will propose regulations on public consumption and business licensing to the Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services. Matters that will be presented to Committee include:
- proposed amendments to the Business Licence Bylaw
- a new proposed Smoking and Vaping Bylaw and the repeal of the existing smoking bylaw
- proposed regulations regarding public consumption
Administration’s report detailing these proposed bylaw amendments will be posted online for public viewing this Thursday, March 29 at approximately 4 p.m. To view the agenda and report, go to The City’s website and click ‘Standing Policy Committee Meetings.’ The report will be under ‘Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services.’
Thursday, April 5: all proposed cannabis-related bylaw amendments go to Council
On April 5, all proposed Bylaw amendments around the legalization of cannabis will go to a Public Hearing Meeting of Council. The current bylaws that will be impacted by legalized cannabis include the Land Use Bylaw, the Business Licence Bylaw, and the Smoking Bylaw.
On February 21, the Standing Policy Committee on Planning and Urban Development recommended proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw. These amendments would incorporate a new definition for ‘Cannabis Store’ to accommodate the retail sale of cannabis which would be similar to the approach used for liquor stores, with unique rules and guidelines. Other amendments include separation distances between cannabis stores and other uses.
Council will debate these proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw as well as the proposed bylaw amendments that will be heard by the Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services on April 3.
This Council meeting begins at 9:30 a.m., however cannabis may not be the only agenda item presented to Council on April 5. We expect that the agenda will be posted online for public viewing this Thursday, March 29 at approximately 4 p.m. To view it, go to The City’s website and click ‘Council Meetings.’
How you can be involved
Citizens are invited to attend both the above meetings and voice their opinions or concerns regarding the matters being presented that day.
If you wish to address matters concerning proposed regulation on public consumption, amendments to the Business Licence Bylaw or the Smoking Bylaw, you are welcome to attend and speak at the April 3rd Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services.
If you would like to address proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw, you are welcome to attend the Public Hearing Meeting of Council on April 5.
** Please note that only Land Use Bylaw considerations may be addressed to Council on April 5; any citizens who wish to voice concerns regarding public consumption or business licences must do so at the April 3 Committee meeting.
Citizens who wish to attend these meetings and address Committee or Council may find it helpful to review the online information on communicating with Council and its Committees.
If you aren’t able to attend, live streaming is available on the live webcast page.
What’s next?
Upon Council approval of all bylaw amendments, The City of Calgary will continue its rigorous efforts to ensure that City policies and operations are ready to support legalized cannabis.
We aim to provide more details on intake procedures for cannabis businesses in April, 2018.
The federal government’s cannabis bill has passed second reading in the Senate. A third reading must take place before it can achieve Royal Assent and become law. While a date for federal legalization is unknown, the Government of Canada has indicated it is still working towards summer, 2018.
The City of Calgary will continue to adapt and respond as more details regarding cannabis are revealed by both the federal and provincial governments. We will carry on providing updates to Calgarians as matters develop nationally and locally.