From The Eastern Door by Eve Cable November 22 2024
In-person consultations have begun for those living within 300-metre radiuses of proposed dispensary sites, with members of the Kahnawake Cannabis Control Board (KCCB) visiting residences last Saturday.
“The in-person consultation is going well so far,” said Tara Jacobs, chairperson of the KCCB. “We spoke to the residents and had an information sheet to give them; we gave them time to look over the documents.”
Jacobs said that direct engagement with residents who would be impacted by potential dispensaries has always been a part of the plan concerning opening businesses in the community. The requirement to consult with those living near to proposed locations is mandated within the KCCB’s Regulation Concerning Dispensaries and Dispensary Licenses.
Applicants had to submit proposed dispensary locations with their applications, the general locations of which can be found on the KCCB website, and Facebook.
Four proposed locations are on Route 207, seven proposed locations are on Route 138, two are on Route 132, and one is on Peter Foxy Road.
The KCCB visited residences between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and asked residents for their thoughts on the dispensary proposals, as well as provided more information about them. The day was only the first of in-person consultations, and Jacobs said they will ensure that consultations are thorough in each area.
Jacobs said she’s not able to give a timeline on how long consultations could last.
“As long as it takes, we do not have a deadline set,” she said.
“If the resident is not home, then we’ll try another visit.”
The feedback received from residents will help the KCCB decide if an application will move further along in the process, with the final step being a lottery of the remaining eligible applicants. Only three applicants will be awarded a license to open a dispensary.
It’s not yet clear what could happen if there is no location where all residents are comfortable with the proposed dispensaries.
“That’s something the board will take into consideration and will thoroughly go through the feedback from the consultations,” Jacobs said. “It’s something we will have to discuss at a board level.
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