7714 Community Events Town’s amended Community Standards Bylaw to allow no public cannabis use Town Council unanimously passed amendments to the Town’s Community Standards Bylaw at their Oct. 9 meeting to prohibit the smoking or vaping of cannabis in any public place within the Town of Devon’s limits. The consumption of recreational cannabis will only be permitted on private property in Devon once cannabis becomes legal on Oct. 17. Federal Legislation The Government of Canada developed the Cannabis Act which is designed to protect the health and safety of Canadians and to keep cannabis out of the hands of youth and profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime. Provincial Legislation Each province has outlined their own legislation to prepare for the legalization of cannabis. Alberta has developed the Alberta Cannabis Framework with 4 policy priorities for the province: keeping cannabis out of the hands of children and youth, protecting safety on roads, in work places and public spaces, protecting public health and limiting the illegal market for cannabis. Municipal Legislation Municipalities were tasked with updating their own bylaws to regulate where cannabis can be consumed and sold within their boundaries. In June, Council passed amendments to the Town’s Land Use Bylaw with stipulations to where cannabis can be sold in Devon. At their Oct. 9 meeting, Council passed amendments to the Town’s Community Standards Bylaw to limit the consumption of cannabis to private property in Devon while adding fines for those who do not obey the bylaw. With these amendments, Devon is now ready for cannabis legalization in Canada on Oct. 17. “We heard loud and clear from the community that they were not comfortable with cannabis being consumed on any public property in Devon,” said Mayor Ralph. “By adopting a zero-public consumption of cannabis stance, we are doing our part to protect our residents and show the community that their voice matters when Council is challenged with these important decisions.” More information about the sale and use of cannabis in Devon is available at devon.ca/cannabis. -30- For more information contact: Justin Janke Communications Coordinator Town of Devon P: 780-987-8302 E: JJanke@devon.ca Share Print