Richmond Hill Opts Out of Cannabis Retail

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill’s new Council voted unanimously to opt out of cannabis retail stores within its municipal boundaries in accordance with the Cannabis Law Statute Amendment Act, 2018. The Act allows municipalities to opt out before January 22, 2019.

Since it was first announced that Ontario would allow cannabis retail outlets in municipalities across the province based on certain criteria, Richmond Hill has stated its intention to opt out. This motion makes it official and Council directed staff to send a copy of the resolution to the province before the deadline.

“It’s our job to do what we think is best for our community,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “Much of what we have heard from our citizens says that they would not welcome cannabis retail outlets in Richmond Hill. In addition to this motion, we passed a by-law in October 2018 that does not permit smoking or vaporizing cannabis in all public places,” added the Mayor. 

Public places include any place to which the public has access as of right or invitation, express or implied, regardless of whether it is owned by a public or private entity and any motor vehicle located in a public place or in any place open to public view. Medical cannabis users will be exempt.

Residents can still purchase cannabis online and in April 2019 from retailers outside of Richmond Hill authorized by the provincial government. In addition, Municipal governments can opt in to cannabis retail stores in the future.

Quick Facts

• In April 2017, the Federal Government introduced legislation to set out the federal framework for the legalization of recreational cannabis.
• On October 17, 2018, the Provincial Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act received Royal Assent. This legislation regulates the use and sale of cannabis products in Ontario.
• In October 2018, Richmond Hill passed a Cannabis By-law (No. 112-18) prohibiting cannabis use in all public spaces in Richmond Hill. Medical cannabis use is exempt from this By-law and subject to relevant federal and provincial legislation. As well, the Richmond Hill Employee Code of Conduct was updated, adding cannabis as one of the substances that must not impair an employee at work.
• The sale of cannabis through the online Ontario Cannabis Store began in October 2018, with plans for a regulated private retail sales model to launch on April 1, 2019. This legislation also includes an option for municipalities to opt-out of retail cannabis stores.

Associated Links
RichmondHill.ca/Bylaws

Media Contact
For more information, please contact:

• Neil Garbe, Chief Administrative Officer, at 905-771-6366 or neil.garbe@richmondhill.ca
• Meeta Gandhi, Director, Communication Services at 905-747-6311 or meeta.gandhi@richmondhill.ca