The Planning Advisory Committee in Stirling-Rawdon unanimously approved a motion for a retail cannabis store in the township following a public meeting.
The committee held a meeting on Tuesday night in a packed council chambers to gather opinions on whether the municipality should opt in or opt out.
People for the most part wanted in.
Attendees at the public meeting in Stirling-Rawdon show their support for hosting a retail cannabis store. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
There were only two people opposed to having a retail cannabis store that voiced their opinion during the meeting and one of those opposing voices came in the form of a submitted letter to council read by Clerk Tawyna Donald.
There were a few questions as to some of the specifics, such as if stores would be able to grow marijuana on site and if there were any downsides to opting in.
For the most part, people stated it is a good business opportunity, it would be a positive thing for the township and it will provide jobs. They also said if Stirling-Rawdon were to be one of the 25 offered a licence right off the bat, the number of people it would bring to the community would be significant.
The overwhelming trend of those in attendance was that they agreed, marijuana provides a number of medicinal benefits.
Mayor Bob Mullin says he was surprised by the feelings of people in attendance.
He says they did not have phone or online surveys of residents prior to the meeting.
Mullin says council will hold a special meeting this week or next to vote on the decision.
