As of
October 17, 2018, consumers are able to purchase cannabis online through the Ontario Cannabis Store. Meanwhile, there is no change to the legislation pertaining to medical use of cannabis.
At this time, Council has voted to
opt-out of private cannabis retail stores in Newmarket.
In December 2019 staff reported back to Council on the status of retail cannabis in Ontario, and next steps for Newmarket. The report is available here.
For more information on the status of the Towns decision on opting in or opting out of private cannabis retail stores in Newmarket, please call 905-895-5193
Frequently Asked Questions
Is smoking in parks and public places permitted?
On May 27, Newmarket Council approved the new Smoking By-law that addresses smoking and vaping of cannabis and tobacco on public property. The By-law specifies that smoking and vaping of cannabis, tobacco and other products is prohibited on all municipally-owned property, which includes facilities, parks, open green spaces and trails. For more information see the
Smoke-Free Newmarket webpage.
Council Discussions
Special Council Meeting on Cannabis Retail Locations
At its
Special Council Meeting on January 15, 2019 Newmarket Council voted to opt-out of private cannabis retail stores in Town.
Special Committee of the Whole on Retail Cannabis Locations
Special A Special Committee of the Whole meeting was held on January 7 to discuss options around opting in or opting out of private cannabis retail stores in Newmarket. Prior to this meeting, the Town consulted the public and received feedback through an online survey, a phone survey, a Public Information Centre and written comments. During the Committee of the Whole meeting, staff presented a report and members of the public provided deputations on the matter. Following discussion, Committee supported an alternate motion to opt-out of private cannabis retail stores in Newmarket. The resolution also directed staff to report back in one year's time to provide further information.
Public Engagement
An online and telephone survey on private retail cannabis stores and Town by-laws in Newmarket was conducted. Staff have reviewed all feedback and compiled the information into a report to Council which was presented at the Special Committee of the Whole meeting on January 7, 2019.
A Public Information Centre on cannabis legislation was held on December 12. A Video Recording of the Public Information Centre and Presentation are available on the Agendas and Minutes page.
Additional Information
The following are links to information about the cannabis legislation, answers to Frequently Asked Questions and formal documents that were compiled by the Town: