The logistics surrounding a new pot retailer are being discussed by Windsor City Council.
Councillors voted Monday night on a motion to send a report to the province outlining what the city would like to see as far as the location of a new cannabis store is concerned.
Windsor is one of the first cities across Ontario that will see a marijuana store once recreational pot is legalized nationwide in July of 2018.
The province has already suggested that it will be looking for an existing storefront that is currently zoned for commercial use. The city's report is expected to outline the locations of parks, schools, bus routes and addiction treatment facilities. The province has already stated that the store will not be placed near schools.
Ward 6 Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac raised a few concerns during the meeting. For starters, she thinks the city isn't getting enough of a say in the location of the store.
"The frustration is it seems that the feds adopted the initial legislation and it rolls down to the province," said Gignac. "The municipalities, where you're going to see the actual effect, are not really part of the in-depth discussion."
Gignac has suggested placing the marijuana store in a neighbourhood that is already zoned for entertainment, where there are additional police patrols. She also said she is hoping the city itself will be able to plan for the expected arrival of tourists that will likely come to Windsor once the store opens.
"I guess I was just thinking of the initial opening of the interim casino and the resulting traffic and influx of people that the city of Windsor experienced," said Gignac.
The public has also been invited to provide input on where the cannabis store and how things will be carried out. An online survey is available to let residents express their thoughts.
The city is hoping to have potential locations narrowed down later in the winter.