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Ottawa city council on Thursday voted to allow provincially licensed cannabis retailers to operate in the capital.

Gloucester-South Nepean Coun. Carol Anne Meehan put on the table a motion asking council to opt out of pot shops but she could only get support from College Coun. Rick Chiarelli

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Meehan said the support for allowing pot shops voiced by Ottawa Public Health and the Ottawa Police Service is “both disappointing and a bit disturbing.” She wanted the city to push for more control and more money from the province before allowing pot shops.

Mayor Jim Watson said opting out isn’t a realistic option, considering people will be able to go to Gatineau to get legal weed.

Photo by Tijana Martin / THE CANADIAN PRESS

There were 10 deputations at council and the majority of the public delegates were businesspeople, including those looking to open shops in Ottawa and business advocates.

Christine Leadman, the Bank Street BIA executive who spoke for the Ottawa Council of BIAs, said eight BIAs have so far signed a letter in support for the city allowing pot shops.