Cannabis will yet again be a main focus of tonight’s (April 8) regular city council meeting.
Two proposed independent cannabis shops will get their chance to come before council during the informal public hearing sessions during the meeting.
The applicants, Kamani Holdings and Grasshopper Retail Inc., have each applied for temporary use permits to facilitate retail cannabis shops in downtown Prince George.
Tonight, council will vote on whether or not those permits are approved. In the council agenda, administration has also explained why they have recommended a temporary use permit for these two shops, instead of a rezoning bylaw.
“The impacts of a Cannabis License in this area of the community are unknown, given that no cannabis stores are currently open in Prince George. Council, therefore, has considered a Temporary Use Permit that would facilitate a retail cannabis use to allow the City of Prince George to gain an understanding of the extent of impacts a retail cannabis use will have on the community in this area.”
Kamani Holdings is applying for a temporary use permit for a property located at 1289 Third Avenue.
Council has received three letters in opposition to the permit, one of which is from Intersect Youth and Family Services.
“Every child, youth and their family that exits our building after receiving mental health services will look directly at the proposed property location,” writes Executive Director Shannon Croy.
Intersect has over 30 youth that attend its school program because their mental health challenges limit their ability to attend the mainstream high schools in the community.
Grasshopper Retail Inc., who has applied for a temporary use permit for 421 George St., has one letter sent in opposition to its application, and 11 letters in support.
Later on in the evening, council will also vote on the final reading and adoption of the rezoning bylaw needed to facilitate a second approved B.C. Cannabis Location in Pine Centre Mall.
In non-cannabis related business, councillors will hear an update on the community wildfire protection plan delivered by Dave Dyer, manager of engineering and public works.
The report will provide a framework of action to help reduce the risk of wildfire in and around Prince George and is one piece of the broader emergency management process that is currently being enhanced.
Prince George Tennis and Pickleball Club will also make a presentation to council, as they are requesting financial support to renovate two tennis courts and turning them into six professional, and permanent, pickleball courts.
If you can’t attend the 6 p.m. council meeting, you can livestream it from the comfort of your own home, and if you’re too busy to watch it, you can come back and check it out later.
The city archives all livestreams.
Take a look at the full agenda for more information.
