Input sought on legal pot

Photo: The Canadian Press

The City of Penticton wants to know what people think about legal cannabis.

The city has launched a community survey to help it develop local rules for retail and public use of marijuana, following federal legalization this summer.

"This is a very important survey," said JoAnne Kleb, engagement strategist for the city. "The data we gather will directly influence the staff's recommendation and inform council's decision, and ultimately determine what you see on city streets."

The survey asks to what extent residents support the retail sale and public use of cannabis, where they find it acceptable to be used, how many stores should be allowed and how far apart they should be. 

Staff with the city will use data from the survey to draft bylaws for community discussion both at an open house and online later in the summer.

The survey can be accessed online or in paper form at City Hall and the public library.

Those who contribute will be entered in a draw for two prizes of up to $300 to go toward a June 2018 City of Penticton utility bill for a residential account.

The survey will run from April 16 to May 4.