Community has mixed feelings on cannabis retail, report finds

September 3, 2026 · 0 Comments

A community survey commissioned by the Town of Aurora has found a majority of respondents take a dim view of cannabis retail.

The results of the survey were presented last week to Aurora’s Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Committee. The numbers show 64 per cent of respondents say they believe cannabis retail has had a “somewhat or very negative” impact on the community, while just 23 per cent had a favourable impression.

“Respondents expressed particular concern about the number and concentration of cannabis retail stores in Aurora,” said Carley Smith, Aurora’s Manager of Corporate Communications, in her report to Committee. “Approximately 71 per cent indicated that there are too many cannabis retail stores, while 20 per cent felt the current number is about right, and two per cent felt there are two few. Despite these concerns, views on whether cannabis retail should operate in Aurora were more divided, with 42 per cent supportive, 49 per cent opposed, and approximately 10 per cent neutral.

“When asked about specific community impacts, the most commonly-identified concern was youth exposure, reported by approximately 52 per cent of respondents. Other negative impacts cited included increased loitering and litter (27 per cent each), traffic or parking issues (19 per cent), and noise (8 per cent).

At the same time, respondents identified some positive impacts, including increased convenience for consumers, employment opportunities, improved occupancy of commercial spaces, and increased business activity. Forty-four per cent indicated that they had observed no positive impacts, while 20 per cent reported observing no negative impacts.”

The survey was commissioned by Council in June at the suggestion of the Cannabis Committee, chaired by Ward 5 Councillor John Gallo. The survey was open to the community as a whole, rather than targeted to the areas of Aurora in which cannabis stores operate.

At the time of the survey, there were 13 retail locations in the community.

“Responses regarding the operation and appearance of individual stores were somewhat more balanced,” Smith continued. “Approximately 47 per cent agreed that cannabis stores are well-maintained and present a professional appearance, compared with approximately 32 per cent who disagreed. Views on whether stores operate responsibly were more negative regarding compatibility with surrounding businesses and impacts on neighbourhood character.

“Open-ended comments reinforced the quantitative findings. The most frequent themes related to the number and concentration of stores, proximity to schools and other sensitive locations, youth exposure, cannabis odour, loitering, litter, signage, and the perceived effect on Aurora’s community character. Some respondents who generally supported legal cannabis retail also expressed concern that there are too many locations or that stores are located too close together. Conversely, other respondents emphasized that cannabis is a legal and regulated product, that stores provide consumer convenience and economic benefits, and that concerns such as litter and loitering are not necessarily unique to cannabis businesses.”

The results show, Smith concluded, that a primary concern is the number of retail stores rather than the existence of the shops.

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter