Weyburn City Council will not be stepping in to block the two retail cannabis stores permits allocated for the city by Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. The vote was made Monday night at the regular meeting of Weyburn City Council after a motion was introduced by Winston Bailey to block both permits. The motion was defeated in an overwhelming vote, allowing things to proceed.

"I guess its more of a personal reason. I don't see the need for it in my life," said Bailey who said he is not naive and knows legalization is going to happen but doesn't believe Weyburn should have stores selling it.

"I have an issue with the Federal government in how this is being forced on us and the lack of direction from them." He is also not happy with the lack of direction from the provincial government.

"We had the option as some cities in Saskatchewan and communities have chosen not to sell it."

Weyburn Police Chief was given the opportunity to speak on the subject and he said he anticipates that there would be distances that will be put on for how far away a retail store can be from schools. There would also be restrictions on advertising.

"There will also be a very strong educational component about the legalization," said Pritchard and added that the Senate is currently debating it and legalization may not even take place until 2019.

Councillor Mel van Betuw asked if there would be any advantage for there to be just one retail store should be allowed to begin with. Chief Pritchard said economics will drive the answer to that question due to depending on whether Weyburn can sustain enough business for two stores or one or more.

Pritchard said Sask Liquor and Gaming Authority will have the regulatory authority over the retail stores. The Policing of Cannabis will be based around whether the cannabis is made into something illegal such as edibles which are expected to not be legal until 2019 or on amounts exceeded as the limit on plants to personally grow by individuals as 4 plants a household.

Bailey suggested there could be a negative impact on real estate values as people start growing Cannabis plants in their houses and land. He also added there is still a lot of unanswered questions they are waiting to have answered.

Other councillors agreed with Bailey's concerns over legalization but admitted they know its coming so Weyburn needs to make the most of the situation. They said it is best to keep as many of the dollars possible in Weyburn which would be spent on Cannabis than giving a reason for consumers to go elsewhere.

Councillor Jeff Richards said he is reminded of when Video Lottery Terminals were first going to be brought into the community. People who want to gamble are going to do so in Weyburn drive down the road and put money in someone else's pocket.

The motion was not supported by other councillors so could not be passed.

"I respect the answers from my fellow councillors and I'll admit I know it's coming it's not that but if I can't speak on my beliefs and my commitment to this city and how I would like to see it then I am not sitting in the right chair. It's just a personal belief, I understand the other side also."

Councillor Van Betuw said the greater benefit will come later from public input when zoning bylaws for retails stores are discussed.

The SLGA had given a deadline of February 28th for municipalities to give their answer to how many stores they are allowing in their communities.

Weyburn missed this deadline with this being the first time the city council discussed this issue. Donette Richter, City Clerk said she had contacted the SLGA and confirmed Weyburn would have the answer for this morning.

The next step is for Weyburn to look at zoning bylaws but also waiting to have more direction from the provincial and federal governments.