Ward 2 Coun. Shawn Lewis.
It’s been nearly two months since cannabis became legal nationwide. Now, a deadline looms for London councillors to decide whether private cannabis storefronts should be allowed to operate within the city
The province has provided municipalities a one-time option to opt out of having the retail stores within city limits. If a municipality decides to opt out, they can decide to opt in at a later time. However, if they opt in, they may no longer opt out. Under the Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, municipalities have until Jan. 22 to make a decision.
Ward 2 Coun. Shawn Lewis serves on the Community and Protective Services Committee, a group that will be tackling the issue during a city hall meeting on Monday.
Lewis tells XFM News the right decision is already clear as day.
“London should absolutely be opting in,” said Lewis, adding that there is no benefit in making the opposite choice.
“Other communities are going to say yes. So by opting out we are telling businesses, ‘thanks, but we are not interested in you opening a new business here.’ Consumers will just go to a neighbouring community and spend their dollars there.”
If London chooses to opt in, the city will receive additional funds from the provincial government allocated on a per-household basis. The city would also be eligible for a share of revenue collected by Ontario in the first two years following legalization.
“By opting out, all we are doing is saying ‘no, thank you,’ to financial assistance from the province,” said Lewis.
According to Lewis, his opinion is common among the people in the ward he serves.
“They recognize that it’s already here, it’s a legal product. They are happy to see that council is moving forward on this… overwhelmingly they’re telling me ‘yes, support this’.”
Lewis, along with the rest of the Community and Protective Services Committee, are set to meet at noon on Monday inside council chambers.
A livestream will also be broadcasted on the city’s YouTube page for those looking to watch.
