Rianna Ford, Brad Stott and Cyrus Hambaz, presented on the subject matter providing background information with respect to statistics, standard operating procedures and Provincial and Federal regulations; the safety and economic benefits of legal storefonts; medicinal properties; black market operation and the risks associated with opting out of Legalized Cannabis Retail in Mississauga.
Councillor Damerla spoke the rationale behind previous decisions with respect to the subject matter and noted the lack provincial tools available to support the process in previous years. Councillor Damerla spoke to an illegal store in ward 7 and requested that staff revisit the existing report regarding the subject matter and include new recommendations based on the most recent information. Rob Trewartha, Director, Strategic Communications & Initiatives spoke to the previous report and bringing a refreshed report to a future meeting.
Councillor Mahoney spoke in support of the revisiting the report and opening Legalized Storefronts. Mayor Crombie spoke to the history of previous decisions regarding the subject matter and in support of the report coming back for review.
Councillor Dasko addressed unique concerns with respect to the small business community in Ward 1, such as clustering. In response to Councillor Dasko, Ms. Ford and Mr. Hambaz spoke to market saturation and how business structure and experience can naturally elimate these issues. In response to Councillor Reid, Mr. Hambaz spoke to taxation in Ontario and the operations of Nova Scotia.
Councillor Parrish addressed concerns with respect to clustering in Ward 5 and requested the returning report include the number of bankruptcies, closed down locations in strip malls; in St. Lawrence Market and locations in Toronto. Councillor Parrish spoke to the need for control of locations at the provincial level.