Residents and businesses have had their say when it comes to recreational cannabis in Nelson. Almost 2000 surveys were filled out during the City’s public consultation process. Two of the top three concerns were public smoking and odour. Mayor Deb Kozak says there are some strategies on how to address those types of issues.
62 per cent of respondents felt public consumption should follow the Clean Air Bylaw. Kozak says that leaves a few places in the downtown that people can smoke.
40 per cent of survey respondents said they strongly agree that the City should have the resources to enforce Bylaws around public consumption and 59 per cent felt smoking cannabis should be banned in all public areas.
In terms of how many dispensaries should be allowed, 75 per cent of respondents felt there should be a cap. The majority felt two in the downtown, one in Railtown, and one along Nelson Avenue and Highway 3 should be the limit.
Residents will have a chance to learn more at an open house on May first at the Adventure Hotel.
Click here for more information from the City of Nelson and to see the public and stakeholder consultation results.
