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While neighbouring Burlington has decided to opt in on retail cannabis stores, Oakville has taken a decidedly different direction.

In a vote of 14 to 1, Oakville town councillors have voted to opt out of the provincial cannabis regime, according to Ward 7 regional councillor Pavan Parmar.

Oakville Council just voted to OPT-OUT of retail cannabis stores. Many of the Councillors, including myself, concerned with the lack of control given to municipalities. Vote 14-1. #Oakville #Onpoli #Cannabis — Pavan Parmar (@PavParmar7) January 15, 2019

Municipalities had until January 22 to decide whether to opt in or out.

With Milton previously deciding to opt out as well, this makes Burlington the only major city in Halton Region to allow cannabis stores in the GTA. Based on the 25 stores allocated by the province, the GTA is only allowed six stores.

A number of councillors cited concern with the lack of control given to municipalities, according to Parmar.

While some residents may be relieved that their councillors decided on a ‘wait and see approach’, others were not so kind, such as former municipal candidate Fraser Damoff.

What an embarrassment for #Oakville. A city that calls itself a Town… #Dinosaurs https://t.co/kcfPch4Obw — Fraser Damoff (@FraserDamoff) January 15, 2019

More information will follow as this story develops.