The City of Saskatoon’s proposed zoning for Cannabis Retail outlets has hit a bump in the road.
The Municipal Planning Commission has rejected it over a recommendation for an exemption in the Broadway Business District.
Instead of a 160-metre separation between stores and areas frequented by children including schools throughout the rest of the city, it would be 60-metres in the Broadway District.
The entire district would be disqualified under the 160-metre buffer zone and Business District Executive Director DeeAnn Mercier says even 60-metres would rule out a lot of their retail sector.
However, both School District representatives on the Commission feel allowing the exemption puts Broadway school children at risk and the same rules should apply for the entire city.
The ten commission members were evenly split on the proposed zoning with some opposed feeling more time is needed to look at alternatives.
The matter could go to a public meeting at the end of the month and city staff say the province may issue Cannabis retail licences in early July.
Council can still pass this recommendation, but if they don’t, the zoning question goes back to square one.