- That private cannabis retail stores not be permitted within 150 metres from daycares, nurseries, group homes or addiction and counselling facilities, the Aurora Community Centre, the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, the Aurora Public Library and Town Hall
- That private cannabis retail stores not be permitted within 150 metres of each other.
How can I submit comments on an application?
- Protecting public health and safety.
- Protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis.
- Preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis.
What is the process for reviewing applications?
The AGCO has a clearly defined process for reviewing applications:
- Applicant posts placard at the proposed store. A 15-day public notice period begins and store location is searchable on iAGCO website.
- Residents and municipality has 15 calendar days to make a written submission to the Registrar
- AGCO provides copies of the written submissions received to applicant within the 15 calendar day requirement.
- Application has 5 calendar days to respond from the time written submissions are sent to the applicant.
- Registrar considers written submissions received within the 15 calendar day requirement.
- Registrar considers all available information in order to make an authorization decision.
How will the application be evaluated by the Town?
Submissions to the AGCO within the 15-day period are limited to whether the issuance of a retail store authorization for the specific location is in the public interest. For this purpose, matters of public interest pertain only to protecting public health and safety, protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis and preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis.
Staff will review whether retail is an existing permitted land use at the proposed location and will consider additional restrictions as per the above mentioned Council resolution.
What can customers expect from retail cannabis outlets?
The AGCO has strict guidelines regarding what retail cannabis outlets can and cannot do.
Only the following can be sold:
- Cannabis (dried flower/pre-rolls, oils, capsules, seeds)
- Cannabis accessories
- Shopping bags
The store must:
- Prominently display the AGCO store authorization
- Have security cameras inside and outside the building
- Staff must be at least 19 years old and trained (staff will not sell to intoxicated people)
- Information on responsible use available
- Cannabis is stored securely and only staff may handle it before it is purchased
- Cannabis is from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and remains in federally required packaging
- Sensory display containers may be available to see and smell product
- Consumers can buy up to 30 grams (about one ounce) of dried cannabis (or equivalent) at one time
Inside
- Store must have clearly marked signage
- Must display the Provincial Cannabis Retail Store seal
Outside
- Must display no entrance for people under 19 sign and staff must check the ID of anyone who appears to be under 25
- Stores can be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- No cannabis or accessories visible
Concerns or inquiries regarding authorized cannabis retail stores can be submitted online to IAGCO.
