By Josh Hall/rdnewsNOW

Red Deer city council to consider banning cannabis consumption in public

Aug 18, 2018 | 8:22 AM

A proposal will go to Red Deer city council next week to ban the consumption of cannabis in public places.

Council will consider first reading of the proposed changes to the Smoke Free Bylaw at their meeting on Monday. The recommendations stem from the results of an online survey The City undertook March 26 to April 9 which asked citizens their thoughts on a variety of cannabis-related topics.

For 1,474 respondents, the top concern (72.75 per cent) related to public consumption, according to a report in the council agenda.

Odours stemming from others smoking or vaping cannabis was a concern indicated by 48.75 per cent, while health impacts from second-hand smoke concerned 41.96 per cent.

It is proposed that the definition of “public place” should mean “any place to which the public has access as of right or by invitation, express or implied.” This includes within 10 metres of a playground, seasonal skating rink, skate park, sports field, water spray park or toboggan hill. It also encompasses indoor spaces such as bingo establishments, casinos, drinking establishments, patios, private clubs and public buildings, just to name a few.

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The sole exception relates to any person who is entitled to possess cannabis for a medical purpose. Those persons must be able to produce the proper documents to a bylaw or RCMP officer, and otherwise adhere to regulations related to the smoking of tobacco.

Anyone found guilty of contravening these proposed regulations, should they be approved by city council, would face a fine of $200 for a first offence, and then between $200 and $2500 for further offences. Unpaid fines could result in up to six months in jail.

The proposed bylaw changes align with the recommendations made by Alberta Health Services in its February 2018 document suggesting the banning  of cannabis consumption in areas frequented by children.

According to the report to council, these proposed changes are less restrictive than other Alberta municipalities, such as Grande Prairie where the setback from rec facilities and parks is 30 metres, and Calgary, where public consumption is banned, except within designated cannabis consumption areas.

There is no requirement for city council to hold a public hearing prior to giving final approval to these types of proposed changes. Should first reading be given Monday, second and third reading are tentatively scheduled for Sept. 4.

Recreational cannabis becomes legal across Canada on Oct. 17.