Residents against allowing legal cannabis stores in Caledon are speaking out

Town staff are currently investigating feasibility of allowing legal cannabis stores

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Some Caledon residents do not want to see legal retail cannabis stores come to Caledon. 

Anthony Caputo, a Bolton resident and business owner, is against the idea. He said if Caledon does allow cannabis stores, it's unlikely they'll even survive and make a profit.

He said the stores will take up space other entrepreneurs can use to build a business that will survive. 

Another concern of Caputo's is clustering of stores.

He said in neighbouring Tottenham, a community of around 10,000, there are five cannabis stores.

“What's the point? What good does it do to the community?” said Caputo. “I don't see any upside to it whatsoever.”

He said he knows people will purchase cannabis if they want to, but he doesn't want to see it done within Caledon's borders.

“There's a lot of people who are concerned about it… a lot of parents out there have a fear,” said Caputo.

Caputo said he and other concerned parties have started to share their opposition to allowing cannabis stores to Caledon council.

Cynthia Oudin, a Bolton resident of 19 years, is also opposed to allowing the stores. 

“I am totally against this,” said Oudin. “My vote is no.”

Ivana Robino is a Caledon parent who is against opening legal cannabis stores added her perspective.

“I strongly disagree with the opening of these shops in Caledon,” said Robino.

Mary Balinov, a long-time Bolton resident and business owner, said she's heard from many people who are opposed to having cannabis stores in Caledon.

“I'm experienced in this community, I've lived here for 25 years. This is not the type of thing I would endorse, and I'm hoping that [Councillors] will see clearly and not proceed with this any further,” said Balinov.

Town of Caledon staff are currently investigating the feasibility of allowing legal cannabis retail stores in town.

An open house was held on February 21 for residents to share their thoughts on the possibility.

A report from staff on the topic is expected to be brought to Council within the first quarter of this year.