“It is clear the province is not limited to the number [of stores at] two as the years go on,” he said. “It is only fair to the business community that as they come into the city, that they understand what restrictions are placed upon them.”

But Lennox-Zepp took issue with the lack of evidence to support the last minute addition to the legislation.

“Maybe there is research that shows, perhaps, in the states, in the U.S., where legalization has already occurred, that this makes sense,” she said. “I am not aware of it…. I am just not aware of any evidence this would be a positive move over a negative move and I would like to have that before this is passed.”

She suggested, perhaps, it could be positive to have the outlets closer to one another for ease of policing, among other circumstances.

Mayor Greg Dionne, however, questioned the ease of finding this evidence and made note that, “Cannabis [legalization] is new to our country,” and how other municipalities have passed similar laws to help spread the stores around.

“Saskatoon did it because they have seven [stores] and they want them spread all over the city,” he said. “I don’t want them right across the street from each other. We have to make it convenient.”

With the passing of the zoning bylaw amendments, all that remains for local legislation around cannabis operations in Prince Albert is the passage of the Cannabis Business Licence Bylaw, which includes the priciest business licence fee thus far in Saskatchewan — $30,000 — and rules making The Gateway to the North the sole municipality to restrict operating hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Cannabis will become legal across Canada on Oct. 17.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr