For immediate release

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

City Council Votes to Allow Retail Cannabis Stores in Greater Sudbury

City Council has passed a resolution to allow retail cannabis stores in Greater Sudbury. The decision will allow applications to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to be processed sooner, providing more time for stores to set up their operations. Retail outlets are anticipated to be permitted beginning April 1, 2019.

“The consultation we conducted over the last few months showed residents and local businesses are in support of having retail cannabis stores in our community,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “By choosing to opt in by January 22, 2019, we have an opportunity to share a larger portion of future funding from the province.”

The current retail model for cannabis sales in Ontario is regulated by the Province through online sales via Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). Once legal in Ontario, retail cannabis outlets will be privately operated, but licensed and regulated by the AGCO.

“There are still many discussions to be had surrounding how retail cannabis stores will be implemented in our community,” said City of Greater Sudbury General Manager of Corporate Services Kevin Fowke. “We will continue to work with our community partners, and the AGCO, to ensure municipal programs and services are in line with the model set forward by the province.”

Cannabis for recreational use became legal in Ontario on October 17, 2018. A report will be brought to City Council on January 15, 2019 to provide additional information and seek further direction on safe use, enforcement and retail locations.

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