Muskoka may not be getting marijuana stores anytime soon, but when it does Gravenhurst is ready.
On Tuesday, Gravenhurst’s new council agreed to opt-in to local pot sales. But, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is currently blocking any stores from opening in Ontario communities with less than 50,000 residents. Once the first 25 stores open in Ontario, the AGCO is expected to lift that rule.
Until then, Gravenhurst will receive at least $10,000 from the province, which is made up of marijuana sale taxes collected by the federal government. The money is meant to help with any local costs associated with Canada’s new legalization rules. Because the municipality has opted in, it will receive another payment with the exact amount based on the number of households in Gravenhurst.
Huntsville council agreed to opt-in at the end of 2018. Bracebridge council has given the nod to local sales as well, but that decision still needs to be ratified during its council meeting tonight.