The Township of Severn wants to know how its residents feel about retail cannabis stores.
A survey has been posted to the township’s website and will remain there until Dec. 31. It has four questions, asking if the respondents are residents of Severn, the age range of the respondents, how long they have lived in the township and whether they feel retail cannabis stores should be allowed in the municipality.
The survey was launched “because it’s such a controversial issue,” said Mayor Mike Burkett.
“There are seven members of council elected to represent residents, but it’s such a large issue, we want feedback from the public,” he said. “It’s not fair for seven members of council to make that decision on their own without hearing from our constituents.”
Burkett is reserving his opinion on the matter until he sees the survey results.
“If we get feedback that everyone’s fine with it, the council will hopefully (allow it),” he said.
Municipalities have until Jan. 22 to decide whether to opt out of allowing retail cannabis outlets within their borders.
“This is going to be controversial for a lot of municipalities,” Burkett predicted.
The survey can be found here. Hard copies are available from the township office on Hurlwood Lane.
