Toronto is ceasing its enforcement efforts against illegal cannabis dispensaries, citing financial constraints and safety concerns for its bylaw officers. The city cites a lack of provincial funding and the inherent dangers for officers lacking arrest powers and force training.
Toronto will cease its crackdown on illegal cannabis dispensaries, citing financial constraints and safety concerns for its bylaw officers . Carleton Grant, the city's executive director of municipal licensing and standards, revealed this decision during a council budget committee meeting on Wednesday. Grant explained that the city no longer receives provincial funding to sustain these enforcement efforts and believes law enforcement should handle the task.
He emphasized that the city has exhausted various methods to combat illegal cannabis shops over the past five to six years, including deploying concrete blocks, boarding up buildings, and even facing countersuits for locking tenants out of their businesses. Grant acknowledged the limitations of city bylaw enforcement officers, stating they lack arrest powers and training in handling force during enforcement activities. This, he argued, makes their job challenging and potentially unsafe when dealing with unlicensed cannabis dispensaries. The city's efforts since January 1, 2024, have resulted in 92 enforcement actions, including executing search warrants and laying 206 charges. They have successfully secured 116 convictions against illegal operators and property owners since 2019. The Ontario government, in a Friday statement, affirmed its commitment to enforcing cannabis regulations but did not specify who will assume this responsibility in Toronto. Keesha Seaton, spokesperson for the Ontario ministry of the attorney general, stated that the government will continue to support cannabis enforcement efforts through a $31 million investment over three years. This funding will empower the OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team to address illegal cannabis production, sale, and distribution. The Toronto Police Service, meanwhile, expressed that it was unaware of the city's decision to halt enforcement of bylaws governing illegal cannabis stores. While they are open to collaborating with the city, they prioritize addressing critical issues such as drug and opioid trafficking, reducing gun violence, and combating crimes like carjackings and home invasions. Al Shefsky, owner of Body and Spirit Cannabis, a legal dispensary in Toronto, expressed disappointment but not surprise at the city's decision. He fears that without enforcement against illegal competitors, he will be at a disadvantage and the public may face potential dangers.
Toronto Cannabis Illegal Dispensaries Enforcement Bylaw Officers Funding Safety Ontario Government
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto to stop cracking down on illegal cannabis dispensariesToronto’s bylaw officers will no longer crack down on cannabis stores that are operating illegally.
Read more »
New rules stop one of Toronto's coolest neighbourhoods from being turned to condosThe Toronto Preservation Board is celebrating some pretty big triumphs this week in the way of increased protections for some of the city's trendiest…
Read more »
Toronto speed camera cut down a third time, thrown into pond: advocacy groupOne of the busiest speed cameras in the city appears to have been cut down for a third time and thrown into a pond, according to a traffic safety advocacy group.
Read more »
Toronto's Top Doctor Reflects on Her Legacy as She Steps DownDr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health for eight years, departs her position reflecting on her time guiding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights the city's resilience while acknowledging deep inequities and urges continued unity and focus on key priorities.
Read more »
Fox and Fiddle location in Toronto suddenly shuts downAn iconic member of Toronto's Fox and Fiddle fleet suddenly closed its doors, and it left plenty of party people scrambling to make New Year's plans.…
Read more »
Toronto's Lazy Cat Cafe to Shut Down Due to Operational ChallengesToronto's Lazy Cat Cafe, known for its mission to find homes for 'overlooked' felines, will be closing its doors in May 2025 due to mounting operational challenges. The cafe cited high costs, including veterinary bills and rent, and negative public scrutiny as contributing factors to its closure.
Read more »