The Town of Okotoks wants to make sure their legislation around cannabis meets the community's needs.

On Tuesday, Kelly Stienwand, Municipal Enforcement Manager for the Town, had the opportunity to answer residents questions at the Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce's workshop with the 420 Clinic.

He says common concerns he's seen expressed by residents about the legislation so far include public consumption as well as land development and retail sales.

Stienwand explains council will look at tailoring bylaws around what Okotoks wants to see.

"The province has provided with their legislation regulations around consumption in and around hospitals, school properties, and childcare facilities, and they've also prescribed distances from playgrounds, sports fields, that sort of thing, but they've also allowed councils and municipalities to increase some of those areas."

Also taken into consideration will be what surrounding areas are addressing in their bylaws.

"We're very fortunate to be so close to Calgary who's done an awful lot of community consultation, there's a lot of data available to us, but we're going to be reaching out to our community as well to ensure that not only are we setting boundaries and regulations that are consistent with other communities but they're also reflective of what our community wants."

The federal government's delay in the original July 1 cannabis legalization date isn't being viewed as negative by the Town. Stienwand adds there's no rush as they want to make sure they have the proper systems in place so communities remain safe, but assures residents that the Town will be ready when the official date arrives.

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