Three more cannabis shops are on their way to B.C.’s northern capital.
After some residents voiced opposition during the rezoning public hearing process, council unanimously approved all three shops.
Cariboo Cannabis, which will be located at 100 Tabor Blvd. in the Tabor Plaza, drew the most opposition during the public hearing process because of its location.
“I grew up in this neighbourhood and my parents and many family friends still live there,” said co-owner Cale Rusnell.
“We understand the stigmas that may surround this controlled substance and want to create a business that is clean, safe, accountable to the people in this neighbourhood.”
He and business partner’s Blair Taxler and Mark Nelson already own and operate Nobel Spirits Liquor Store located in the same plaza.
“I’m concerned not so much about the business it’s self but the location,” said resident Ron Davis during the public hearing, expressing his concerns for the neighbourhood.
He was followed by multiple speakers who had similar concerns.
"I noticed that there is already a liquor store in Tabor Plaza, my question is anyone who opposed a cannabis store there why haven’t they also opposed the liquor store?” said another resident who spoke in favour of the application. “Liquor is a far greater social ill than cannabis ever was.”
When it came time for council to vote on the recommendation, council reflected on the land-use and the flexibility of the three-year temporary-use permit being considered.
“From a land-use perspective only we are talking about a mix of retail and service here and outside of the land-use I think the applicants have demonstrated the safety precautions needed,” said Coun. Terri McConnachie.
Cariboo Cannabis’ temporary-use permit to operate in the Tabor Plaza was unanimously approved.
The second shop to be approved for a temporary-use permit was Earth to Sky Cannabis Company, which will be located at 1533 Third Ave.
Earth to Sky Cannabis Company is a chain with multiple locations open in the province. It’s owner Ian Laing, from Victoria, was not present at the public hearing but his realtor, Matt Vigue spoke on his behalf.
Although this application drew quite less opposition than the previous one, there were some questions from council focused on downtown parking and safety.
“I think with any business downtown parking is an issue,” said Vigue. “We don’t have a solution for that but I don’t think that is a negative statement for not allowing another business to join the downtown.”
When it came down to a vote on the recommendation, council also unanimously voted to approve the application.
The third cannabis shop applicant, which drew some letters of opposition but no speakers at the public hearing, was the Liquor Distribution Branch who want to open a B.C. Cannabis Store in Spruceland Shopping Centre.
Council quickly approved the rezoning for the B.C. Cannabis Store allowing it to open up in the Spruceland Shopping Centre, and thus approving all three stores.
