Creighton town council has thrown its hat in the ring on marijuana sales.
During its March 28 meeting, council approved sending a letter to Saskatchewan cabinet minister Gene Makowsky, suggesting the province allow communities of less than 2,500 people be permitted to allow retail marijuana sales.
The town’s action comes two weeks after council received a letter from the mayor and council of Carnduff, Sask., arguing that disallowing smaller communities from allowing retail sales post-legalization leaves their towns at an economic disadvantage.
“It’s in support of that,” said Creighton mayor Bruce Fidler, referring to the Carnduff letter.
In 2017, the Saskatchewan government released a list of communities where retail marijuana sales would be allowed, but the list was restricted to communities of 2,500 people or more.
No discussions have been formally held to open a retail marijuana operation in Creighton.
Strategy meeting
A new economic strategy is soon coming for Creighton.
Council approved a measure to undergo a strategic planning process and meet with regional economic development officer Eve O’Leary April 14.
The meeting will include forming a long-term economic development policy for the community, determining priorities for economic development in Creighton and promoting new ideas to increase regional trade and commerce.
Flin Flon and Denare Beach will also hold similar meetings with O’Leary.
“This one is just for Creighton council. The other communities are doing their own,” said Fidler.
The Regional Economic Development Committee, made up of representatives from Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach, will hold its next meeting on April 6.
Deposits
Council gave first and second reading to a bylaw that would amend the town’s existing rates for renters deposits.
The amendment would increase deposits from renters from $150 to $200, as well as increasing deposits from trailer park users from $350 to $400.
“Usually, we have a deposit of a couple of months. If a renter takes off, we have that deposit to cover that and the landlord doesn’t have to be stuck with that bill,” said town administrator Paula Muench.
It is the first time the town’s renters’ deposit rates have been updated since 2012.
The committee report for council’s bylaws, resolutions and fiscal services health finance committee originally listed the measure to receive a third and final reading. The third reading was delayed, pending further discussion of the measure.
Under the current version of the bylaw, the increases will take affect immediately if the measure is passed.
Arrears
A new list of in-arrears lands has been published by council.
A total of 18 properties were listed, equaling more than $21,000 in total arrears. Fidler said the number of in-arrears lands was no larger than normal.
“They usually catch up after a friendly reminder from us. They pay up and get taken off the list,” he said.
In addition, tax enforcement notices were issued for five other properties in Creighton. Form C notices were authorized and registered on each property, giving the owner six months to clear outstanding taxes with the town.
If the owners don’t pay the levied fees, according to Muench, “they’d lose title to the property.”
