Municipal officials in Inverness Co. say they’re working hard to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible with the legalization of recreational marijuana right around the corner.
Keith MacDonald, the municipality’s chief administrative officer, says there’s quite a process for municipal officials, including processing information and research and setting bylaws.
MacDonald says they’ll consult with their counterparts in other municipalities across the province for information about handling bylaws.
He says gathering every bit of information they can is taking precedence right now.
After October’s regular municipal council meeting Thursday afternoon, MacDonald said bylaw enforcement is a major topic of discussion.
“For larger urban areas, it’s certainly going to put more of a burden on their police forces,” he said. “Certainly here in Inverness Co., we will have to look at how do we shift and work with the RCMP and other partners around overseeing any bylaws that are put in place.”
MacDonald said officials with the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities are providing plenty of information on how they feel it should be handled.
He said Inverness Co. officials are ready for the roll out, but legalization will still be a topic of meetings for many months to come.
MacDonald said residents seems to be supportive of the legislation.
“I’ve had no official correspondence from citizens on this matter to date,” he said. “As legalization comes into play, that may shift, so we’re open to hearing from residents on this matter.”
MacDonald said they understand there will be some challenges, but they are prepared.