Winkler residents will decide whether retail cannabis stores can open within city limits.

While the federal government is expected make the consumption of cannabis legal October 17, the the City of Winkler is exercising its right to hold a plebiscite on the retail sale of cannabis within the community.

Mayor Martin Harder notes the city has already received interest from cannabis retailers, however, rather than allowing businesses to open up shop only to be kicked out as a result of a vote a few months later, he says they'd like to hear the public's opinion first.

Throughout the process, Winkler City Council is committed to remaining impartial when it comes to the cannabis retail referendum coming this fall. During a City Council meeting last week, councillors debated whether releasing an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document to the public on cannabis and on potential cannabis retail legislation could create a perceived bias on the issue.

"As a City we have chosen not to make a statement one way or another," Harder says.

However, he notes releasing general facts on the substance and the city's potential retail cannabis legislation could be of use to voters.

"Our obligation is to make sure we have the facts out there and allow people to make a decision based on facts, not based on rumours," Harder says.

The legislation would outline where cannabis retail stores could be located within the city, such as within a commercial retail zone and with reasonable buffers from schools and youth centres. In order to obtain a business license the retail operation would be required go through the process of a conditional use hearing.

The vote will take place in conjunction with Election Day on October 24, 2018.