With federal marijuana legalization looming on the horizon, Saskatoon City Council has voted against a zoning bylaw that would have set the rules around where marijuana vendors could place their shops.

The initial proposal stated that there would have to be a 160-metre separation distance between dispensaries and schools, parks, libraries and community centres. Stores in the Broadway area would receive a 60-metre buffer as an exemption.

However, a majority of councillors balked at the separation limit and voted against the bylaw.

Councillor Darren Hill said marijuana sellers will be legal soon, and shouldn't have to follow the same constraints as other businesses under the current Adult Services Bylaw.

"I think a cannabis dispensary is entirely different from a pawn shop or an adult massage parlor," he said. "They are completely different services and they're going to be regulated differently by a different level of government as well."

I don't think we should be in the business of prohibition. - Councillor Ann Iwanchuk

In its place, councillors asked administrators to amend they bylaw that would implement a 60-metre exemption policy that would be implemented city-wide.

"I know there are about 11 or 12 liquor board stores across the city, and there's probably hundreds of wine or beer stores, and none of them have separation access," said councillor Ann Iwanchuk. "I don't think we should be in the business of prohibition, and that's what I feel like this sounds like."

Tight timeline

The decision will mean a quick turnaround for administration and council. Federal legislation to legalize marijuana is expected this summer, while the identity of the city's seven marijuana stores is expected from the federal government by June 1.

Mayor Charlie Clark said he is confident a decision can be reached in time.

"We need to come back with something we can vote on in June, where the options are quite clear," he said.

As this was a change to a publicly posted bylaw, council could not amend the law during the meeting.

The 160-metre exemption for businesses that are growing and processing marijuana would remain in place.

Councillors also voted in favour of allowing discretionary use exemptions for businesses in buildings that may fall within the 60 metre buffer. One potential store wants to set up a location in a back-alley on Broadway. While the business' door would fall out of the 60 metre exemption, the front of the building doesn't.

"If they are successful with their license, because we have created that situation for them, they shouldn't have to find a new location and relocate their business," said Councillor Darren Hill.

A date for the next meeting has not been set.