Recreational marijuana will be legal as of Oct. 17, and the City of Prince George is ensuring they are prepared for when the public lights up.
At the Sept. 17 council meeting, Ian Wells, the city's general manager of planning and development, will be sharing ideas for cannabis sales.
In the public agenda, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) suggests store hours be from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Council will be allowed to increase or decrease the hours on a case-by-case basis.
Council will also be able to grant licences in certain commercial zones.
Pot shops will need at least 1.6 kilometres of distance between them. Each cannabis store would require a separate rezoning application, to be approved by council.
It would cost $5,000 for a business licence fee. The city says the fees are similar to ones being charged by other municipalities in B.C., like Kamloops.
As for the production of cannabis, the city would follow the existing bylaw that that deals with medical marijuana. Properties would need to be at least 15 hectares in size and at least 150 metres from schools and parks.
Council can consider the following when they provide a resolution concerning a liquor licence or retail cannabis application:
- Location of the establishment
- The proximity of the establishment to other social or recreational facilities and public buildings
- Occupant load and hours of liquor service for liquor licence applications
- Floor plan of the retail, warehouse and delivery and proposed operating hours for cannabis retail
- The number of other similar types of uses within a reasonable distance of the proposed liquor licence and cannabis retail zone
- Traffic, noise and zoning
- Population, density and trends
- Relevant socio-economic information
- Whether the proposed amendment will result in the establishment being operated in a manner that is contrary to its primary purpose
- The impact on the community if the application is approved
Council will give first and second readings on Monday night. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in council chambers.
