For the third time this year, polls are open in Niverville.

Unlike the provincial election in September and the federal election in October, no officials will be elected, rather today’s vote is a cannabis plebiscite. Residents of Niverville will vote on whether licensed retail cannabis stores should be allowed in town.

Voting will take place in the Niverville Town Office at 329 Bronstone Drive between 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. today, Tuesday, November 26, 2019. Voters are reminded that ID may be required to vote and they are asked to use the Northeast entrance to the building.

Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck says town council decided not to hold a plebiscite during the last municipal election in 2018 because they did not feel they had enough information from the province at that time.

Read more: Niverville Conditionally Approves The Sale Of Cannabis

Then in March, the province announced they had chosen Niverville as one of seven rural communities to get a cannabis store. A draw was completed and Canna Cabana was given the right to set up shop, however, after a lengthy public hearing in late July, council decided to deny Canna Cabana Inc. the conditional use permit necessary to open in Niverville.

Read more:
Niverville To Get Cannabis Store 
Niverville Seeks Clarity On Future Cannabis Store 
Province Chooses Cannabis Retailer To Service Niverville

Dyck sited a number of security concerns with Canna Cabana’s conditional use application and their right under the Manitoba Planning Act to deny a conditional use permit if they deem it detrimental to the health and well-being of the community as reasons for denying the application.

Read more: Cannabis Store Denied Conditional Use In Niverville

Council was split on the subject and voted 3 to 2 in opposition with Mayor Myron Dyck being the tie-breaker.

Read more: Cannabis Retailer Disappointed At Being Denied In Niverville

Canna Cabana Inc. then made a second application, though, under the planning act, they actually need to wait one year before re-applying. None-the-less Dyck noted that council needed to do something. If they left the issue alone, the retailer would apply every year until they got permission from council. On the other hand, council could choose to hold a legally binding plebiscite and put the matter to bed. Council was once again split on the subject and Dyck broke the tie to move forward with a plebiscite and give Niverville residents to choose for themselves.

Read more:
Cannabis Plebiscite To Be Held In Niverville
Canna Cabana Await Result Of Niverville Plebiscite

Much like town council, the residents of Niverville appear to be divided on the issue. Since the Facebook group Citizens Who Support A Progressive Niverville was started to advocate for a cannabis retailer, educate the public on cannabis use, and promote the economic benefits that they believe cannabis retail store would bring to the town. They have also put up many lawn signs calling for residents to vote yes. Meanwhile, Say No To Drugs lawn signs and billboards have popped up calling for a no vote.

Read more: Niverville Residents Campaigning as Plebiscite Nears

Whatever residents choose, the results will be binding and can only be overturned by a future plebiscite.