TAMRMS#: B06
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Cannabis Funding
Presented by: Kevin Scoble, City Manager
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
That up to $50,000 be committed from the Stabilization Fund for one-time public engagement and awareness expenses related to the legalization of cannabis.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
To secure an initial budget approval for one-time public engagement and awareness costs related to the municipal activities associated with the legalization of cannabis.
COUNCIL DIRECTION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The federal government intends to enact legislation (Bill C-45 and C-46) that would legalize cannabis across the country with a new estimated enactment date of September 2018. All orders of government must prepare to ensure that all regulations, laws and by-laws are in place for by this date. The federal legislation allows provinces and territories the latitude to develop their own rules and regulations for the distribution and consumption of fresh or dried cannabis, cannabis oil, plants and seeds.
As indicated in the task force presentation to the Governance, Priorities and Finance Committee in January 2018, there will be hard costs associated with the activities required to ensure the City is prepared as at the legalization date. An interim one-time budget of $50,000 is being requested at this time to support some of these initial activities to engage the public in policy development for Council’s consideration and inform the public on the legalization of cannabis, as it pertains to St. Albert and its residents and businesses including:
$35,000 for public participation (including resident survey, business community consultation and Citizen world café)
$10,000 for public education (including information sessions, Utility bill inserts, various advertising venues)
$5,000 for miscellaneous/contingency
$50,000
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
The City of St. Albert has established a Cannabis Task Force to assist in coordinating Administration’s efforts for the upcoming cannabis legalization. This internal working group has completed an assessment of work that needs to be completed
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
$50,000 will be committed within the Stabilization reserve and tagged to cannabis related costs which will make it unavailable for other projects/initiatives
Legal / Risk:
None at this time
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
None at this time
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Council could choose to approve an allocation from the Stabilization fund in an amount greater or less than the recommendation. If a lower amount is chosen, Administration will not be able to take action on all planned activities.
Report Date: March 5, 2018
Author(s): Diane McMordie, Director of Financial Services
Committee/Department: Financial Services
General Manager: Michelle Bonnici, GM of Corporate Services
City Manager: Kevin Scoble