Castlegar Council gave first three readings on amendments to the Smoking Bylaw this week. It looks to prohibit the smoking of cannabis in all public places.
Director of Development Services Phil Markin explains how its a change from the current bylaw. “Currently, smoking is prohibited in all parks where the signs are posted and the direction we got back from council at the August meeting was to prohibit the smoking of cannabis in all public places.”
Markin says changes to the Business Lisence Bylaw were also on Monday’s council agenda. “We’re going to require anybody applying for a retail license has to submit a business plan that talks about how they plan to minimize impacts to the neighbourhood and sensitive areas such as schools and day cares. And how they’re going to deal with proposed odor control measures and proposed security measures.”
First time applicants would also be required to pay a $1,500 fee to cover the costs of the public notice.
The changes will go to a public hearing before final adoption, which is scheduled for October 15. The new zoning for recreational cannabis will also be included.
