The Municipality of North Grenville will need to update bylaws to include a ban on smoking cannabis in public spaces. Federal legislation legalizing marijuana comes into effect October 17.
Deputy Mayor Barb Tobin asked about the changes that will need to be made during the Committee of the Whole meeting last night.
Director of Parks and Recreation Mark Guy says the smoking bylaws will need to be updated to include cannabis. Smoking cigarettes is currently banned in local parks and within a certain distance of public buildings.
Bylaw officers are able to enforce against smoking cigarettes in public spaces but whether they will be able to hand out tickets for smoking cannabis is up in the air.
CAO Brian Carré says municipalities are scrambling to put together appropriate policies before marijuana becomes legal. He says the right policy for North Grenville will be brought to council for consideration.