This page provides a brief guideline of the legal framework for cannabis in Ontario, how cannabis retail stores are licensed, how residents of the Town of Aurora can provide feedback on new store applications, and where smoking or vaping is permitted under the Town’s Smoking By-law.
About Cannabis Legalization
The Cannabis Act (S.C. 2018, c. 16) establishes the federal framework governing the production, distribution, sale, and possession of recreational cannabis in Canada. Health Canada regulates the cultivation and processing of cannabis. Each province and territory is then responsible for setting its own rules for how cannabis is to be sold within their jurisdiction, including rules for store locations and operations.
In Ontario, the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 (S.O. 2018, c. 12, Sched. 2) and Ontario Regulation 468/18 authorize the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to license, regulate, and enforce the sale of recreational cannabis through private retail stores. The Town of Aurora does not regulate cannabis sales directly, but it enforces local smoking rules and may provide input to the AGCO.
You must be 19 years of age or older to buy, use, possess, or grow recreational cannabis.
Retail Cannabis Stores in Aurora
In January 2019, Aurora Town Council voted in favour of allowing retail cannabis stores to operate within the municipality. In doing so, they approved a motion requesting that the AGCO consider local sensitivities when reviewing retail applications, including that cannabis retail stores not be located within 150 metres of:
- each other;
- daycares, nurseries, group homes, or addiction and counselling facilities; or
- the Aurora Community Centre, Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, Aurora Public Library, and Town Hall.
These are recommendations only. The AGCO has the sole authority to approve or deny retail cannabis store locations.
The Town continues to work with regional, provincial, and federal partners to promote compliance, address community impacts, and support safe, responsible cannabis use.
Store Requirements
All cannabis retail stores in Ontario must:
- be licensed and authorized by the AGCO;
- meet all eligibility criteria under the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 and its regulations; and
- have a supply purchase contract with the Ontario Cannabis Store (the “OCS”), which is the only legal supplier (wholesaler) of cannabis for private retail stores in Ontario.
Cannabis can only be purchased from:
- licensed AGCO-authorized stores; or
- the OCS website.
Public Input on Store Applications
When a new cannabis store is proposed, the AGCO provides a 15-day public notice period – during this time, the store applicant must post a notice on the proposed storefront, and Town of Aurora residents may submit comments through the AGCO’s iAGCO portal regarding whether the issuance of the retail store authorization would be in the public interest. Specifically, any comments must relate to one or more of the following matters of public interest, as set out in Ontario Regulation 468/18:
- protecting public health and safety;
- protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis; and
- preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis.
Town of Aurora staff will also confirm that retail is a permitted land use at the proposed site, and may provide additional comments to the AGCO reflecting Council’s 2019 resolution.
The AGCO will provide the applicant with copies of any submissions received within the required time period, and applicants will have five days to respond. The Registrar will then consider all submissions before deciding whether to issue a store authorization.
For more details, refer to the AGCO’s website and related legislation.
Aurora’s Smoking By-law
The Town’s Smoking By-law (No. 6220-19) prohibits smoking or vaping tobacco, cannabis, or any other substances on Town property and other public areas under Town control.
You cannot smoke or vape in:
- Town parks, playgrounds, trails, or sports fields;
- outdoor patios or recreation areas on Town property;
- Town buildings or anywhere on the grounds of Town facilities; or
- Town-owned parking lots or other public areas under Town control.
You can smoke or vape:
- in a Designated Smoking Area marked with Town signage;
- on private property, such as your home or yard; and
- on public sidewalks or streets, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
People authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes may do so in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, provided they carry their documentation and show it to a By-law Officer if asked.
Violations may result in fines or administrative penalties.
For more details, refer to the Smoking By-law.
