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Re Call us for a quote at 905-845-0767 ext. 223Jameson Glas GOLDGOGOGOGOGOGOGOLDLDLDLDLD 905-845-0767 ext. 223Jameson Glas Title sponsor: Presented by: Media sponsors: 2019 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN Visit canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25 NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY! Do you know an inspiring immigrant who has made a positive impact in Canada? Recognize and celebrate their achievements by nominating them for this coveted national award by Feb 27, 2019. notice after a cannabis re- tail store location is chosen was another grievance as was the fact that the town cannot place a limit on the number of cannabis retail stores permitted within its borders. "What this adds up to is this is a bad deal. Even the people I speak to who want us to opt in want conditions we are not allowed to im- pose," said Burton. "No deal can get better until you say 'no.' So this is Oakville saying no." Council also voted to re- visit the issue in December 2019 when more informa- tion is available. Municipalities that choose to opt out can opt back in at any time. More than 60 people at- tended the meeting, many of whom applauded when the decision to opt out was made. Council heard from 11 delegations of which seven were for the opt-out option while four called for the town to opt in. The town also received 200 email comments, which were submitted to council. Of these, 121 comments called on council to choose the opt-out option while 73 comments urged council to opt in. Six comments were un- clear. Some residents who pushed for the opt-out op- tion voiced concerns about what the introduction of cannabis retail stores would do to the town's rep- utation. Others pointed out those who want cannabis can get it online from the Ontario Cannabis Store. Some were worried can- nabis stores would lead to greater marijuana con- sumption among youth while others were worried that with other municipal- ities opting out, Oakville would become a destina- tion for those from other municipalities who are seeking cannabis. Those who spoke in fa- vour allowing cannabis re- tail stores in Oakville said people coming to Oakville to purchase cannabis would not be a bad thing, arguing that while here, they might buy other things and pump some money into the local econo- my. Some residents pointed to the medicinal benefits of cannabis while others said retail stores would be more convenient and efficient than the current process of getting cannabis online. Brett Bell, a consultant representing retail canna- bis seller Fire & Flower Cannabis Co., said his com- pany wouldn't attempt to establish itself near a school or in a residential area, instead seeking high traffic areas where there is established retail. He listed downtown Oakville as a possible store location. Bell also pointed out that underage youths would not even be permit- ted to enter a cannabis re- tail store. Fire & Flower has a goal of opening 75 stores in On- tario including one in Oak- ville. The company has yet to receive a licence from the province. Oakville Chamber of Commerce President Drew Redden also called for the Town to opt in. In a written statement he noted the Chamber sup- ports initiatives that con- tribute to the success of businesses within Oakville and encouraged council to consider the economic ben- efit of permitting retail cannabis stores. "Deloitte has reported that the total market poten- tial of cannabis in Canada could be as high as $7.17 bil- lion in 2019," said Redden. "Some municipalities across Canada have seen significant new business investment in their com- munities. Provinces, such as New Brunswick, have embraced the sector as an economic development tool that is creating hun- dreds of new jobs. In many communities, local busi- nesses are anticipating higher foot traffic because of cannabis stores, which will help revitalize eco- nomic centres and main streets. Additionally, it has been noted that communi- ties can expect better pub- lic safety and public health outcomes by having legally regulated businesses serv- ing cannabis consumers instead of the illegal mar- ket." With the delegations heard each councillor weighed in on the decision. Ward 6 town Coun. Na- talia Lishchyna worried al- NEWS See page 13 THE ISSUE: THE MAJORITY OF OAKVILLE COUNCIL HAS VOTED TO NOT ALLOW CANNABIS RETAIL STORES. LOCAL IMPACT: RESIDENTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PURCHASE CANNABIS AT RETAIL STORES LOCALLY AFTER APRIL 1. MAJORITY OF OPINIONS SUGGESTED OPTING OUT OF ALLOWING RETAIL CANNABIS STORES Continued from page 3 Local journalism makes a difference. 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