If you already took part in the City of Windsor's online survey about pot shops, it is asking you to retake it.
When the city released the original survey last week, it indicated funding from the Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation Fund would be capped at $10,000.
The province has released new funding information which says Windsor will receive a first payment of $253,279 from the fund even if city council decides not to allow private pot stores.
The new amount is based on 2018 Municipal Property Assessment Corporation numbers.
Although private retail sales of marijuana will be allowed as of April 1, 2019, the city has until January 22 to decide whether to opt in or not.
Supporters of Marijuana Activist Marc Emery await his return to Canada. August 12, 2014. Photo by Ashton Patis.
If councillors vote no, a second payment will be limited to $5,000. If they opt in, it will not be capped and will, again be based on household numbers from MPAC.
"It's just been clarified. There's been lots of uncertainty, so we took the most likely thing, but then we got additional communication from the province," said Chief Administrative Officer Onorio Colucci. "We want to make sure their choices are based on the latest information."
The government has also set up a $10-million fund to cover any unforeseen circumstances with priority given to municipalities that opt-in.
After January 22, municipalities that decide not to allow storefront cannabis sales can opt back in at any time. However, once the commitment is made, cities and towns will not be allowed to ban the sale of pot in retail stores.
The province will regulate and license private cannabis stores, and sales will not be permitted within 150 m of any school. Windsor will not be allowed to restrict how many pot shops can set up within city limits, how close they are to parks, addiction treatment services, long-term care homes, or community centres.
"We have to abide by the provincial guidelines," said Colucci. "As long as the proponent meets those guidelines and normal city zoning requirements, I think that will be a go."
Now that the information has been updated, the city has deleted the previous survey and released a new one.
The new survey will be open until January 4, 2019, and the information collected will be given to city councillors before they make their decision.
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