Bancroft council, like many other Ontario municipalities, has a big decision to make.
At council tomorrow afternoon they will decide whether or not to opt-in or out on retail cannabis in the Town. Lianne Sauter, Acting Clerk, recommends in her report that council opt-ins to retail cannabis in Bancroft.
“As of January 2nd, lottery regulations indicate only five stores will be permitted in Eastern Ontario in the first round of license issuing,” Sauter says in her report. “While a license may be unlikely for Bancroft at this time, the municipality may be entitled to a share of taxes should a license be issued in the future,” Sauter went on to say. Sauter says that staff expects Bancroft would be a strong contender for a store in North Hastings if the lottery allocations end up being expanded.
“Since legalization in October, the Town has not received any calls related to recreational cannabis except calls to inquire as to the Town’s opt-in/opt-out status,” Sauter stated in her report.
Ontario municipalities have until January 22nd to opt-out of allowing retail cannabis outlets in their municipalities.
The council meeting will begin at 3 PM at the Town’s Municipal office.
To read Sauter’s full report, you can find it on the Town of Bancroft’s website.