Cannabis bylaw passed with amendments

By Justin Seward
Commentator/Courier

The Town of Bow Island council passed their cannabis bylaw with amendments at its Oct. 22 meeting.
After holding a public hearing for the bylaw on Oct. 16, there was feedback from public that council took into consideration to implement into the bylaw.
The town’s Cannabis Act states that the Province of Alberta has enacted an act to control and regulate cannabis, which will place restrictions on the smoking and vaping of cannabis.
It is under Section 7 of the Municipal Government Act that council may pass bylaws regarding the safety, health and welfare of people and the protection of the people and properties. The bylaw also covers people’s activities and things in or near a public place or opened to the public, while the enforcement of bylaws made under the Municipal Government Act or any other enactment.
“Council deems it necessary to impose additional restrictions the smoking and or vaping of cannabis in places to prevent behaviors and conduct that may have a negative impact on the enjoyment of public places; and the smoke or vapor produced by the smoking or vaping of cannabis and other substances in public premises is a nuisance for persons in those premises.”
“Council considers it expedient and desirable for the health, safety and welfare of inhabitants to regulate smoking and vaping of cannabis in Bow Island.”
Changes included an addition under “Definitions and Interpretation,” which will say camping accommodations that will mean any tent, holiday trailer, motorhome , recreational vehicle or mobile shelter used for sleeping as manufactured and used a campsite will be a private property to smoke on.
Private property now means where cannabis and vaping can be consumed on a property that is restricted the public for access and includes but not limited to a private dwelling or yard, garage, camping accommodation or any other privately owned living accommodation.
A private dwelling is any self contained unit used by one or more people including a house or apartment, mobile home, vehicle, camping accommodation or any other substantial structure.
While under the prohibition section, it will read now that a person must not smoke or vape in or on any municipal lands, facilities, walkways, roadways, public place, whether its in a vehicle or not.
The penalties will stay the same other then under Section 3 where smoking and vaping cannabis in a public place and the addition of a vehicle too. Section 6 is permitting a person to vape where prohibited will come a find of the same offence. Each offence will cost $200.

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