A concerned citizen approached Rimbey town council on Tuesday with concerns about cannabis.
Dennis Semenyna wanted to talk to council about their plans to keep Rimbey safe in light of the new federal law that has legalized the drug.
“This is serious for our community,” he said. “We need to protect our young people and our 20 and 30 year-olds.”
Semenyna said the drug and alcohol problem is escalating in Rimbey.
“As a citizen I’d like to know how to keep Rimbey safe.”
Mayor Rick Pankiw explained that the legalization of cannabis is a federal law.
“Whether we agree with it or don’t agree with it (it’s law), he said.
Pankiw added that a public hearing regarding a bylaw relating to cannabis in Rimbey was held and no one attended.
“When we did have a public hearing, not one person showed up,” he said.
Development officer Liz Armitage said a development permit has been issued to individuals who have applied to open a cannabis store in Rimbey.
“The development permit has been issued, but anyone can appeal it,” she said.
Armitage noted that the town would not issue as business license until provincial requirements are met.
“They need provincial licensing,” she said. “It’s (the application) is very, very preliminary.”
Coun. Paul Payson said fentanyl is the drug that is causing major problems.
“Fentanyl is huge. It’s a game changer. It’s not the legal marijuana. The store in Rimbey will carry a safe product.”
Coun. Gayle Rondeel said legalizing marijuana could help to bring the drug out of the black market.
Councillors explained to Semenyna that they were doing everything they within the guidelines of the municipal government act to deal with the new federal law.
“It’s encouraging to know as a citizen that you’re doing what you’re doing,” he said.