Dear editor:

As the U.S. drags us into a trade war, Canadians are realizing we have senseless trade restrictions within our own borders. Our provincial premiers have committed to knocking down many of these internal trade barriers, potentially adding up to $200 billion to the Canadian economy.

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, we have our own self-imposed barriers to commerce, which raise costs for our citizens and prevent the full flourishing of our town’s economy.

In October 2018, the sale and usage of cannabis was legalized in Canada. In December 2018, our town council at the time opted to disallow the retail sale of cannabis in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

At the time, little was known about how the cannabis markets would look; the subsequent boom and bust of cannabis shops shows there may have been some wisdom in proceeding cautiously.

Today, however, it’s clear cannabis shops are respectable, mainstream amenities. Moreover, they provide entrepreneurial opportunities and jobs.

Legal cannabis also has tourism potential for our visitors from more puritanical jurisdictions, whose money is certainly welcome, even if their politics are not.

Cannabis shops are highly regulated and the product is distributed by our own provincial government.

Recreational users can already purchase online directly from the government, or make the trek to St. Catharines or the Falls to spend their money outside of our town.

Our historic Old Town already has enough ice cream shops and American chain stores. A tasteful and well-designed cannabis shop would help preserve the unique character of our town, while generating municipal tax revenue and jobs and enhancing our ability to “shop local.”

Municipalities can opt-in to allowing cannabis sales at any time by notifying the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

I suggest, as we look for ways to fortify or even grow our economy in Niagara-on-the-Lake, that time is now.

Matthew French
NOTL