After operating under a temporary use permit since 2020, a downtown cannabis retailer is looking to have its location rezoned by Prince George city council starting at its Monday, Jan. 13 meeting.
Back in November 2020, council granted Epik Products Inc. a three-year temporary use permit for its location at 356 George Street — also the home of 3 Goblins Games.
Then, on Oct. 30, 2023, the company received a one-year extension of the TUP.
The property is currently zoned as C1, but non-medical cannabis-only retailers are only permitted in C1c zones.
Though the property is within a kilometre of Duchess Park Secondary School, the Provincial Court and other public spaces, city staff are recommending that council approve the rezoning request as they do “not foresee any negative impacts relating to the location of the proposed cannabis retail store.”
A report attached to the agenda the Jan. 13 meeting states that city administration has not received any complaints relating to the business’s cannabis sales over the last four year.
The agenda also contains a letter from Epik CEO Larissa Dawn Lebel, which says the company has survived COVID, the explosion at the former Achillion restaurant and the closure of several other nearby businesses.
“At Epik, we work with our neighbours to deal with any concerns they may have and ensure that we consider them in any decision we make,” Lebel wrote.
“We have held three successful annual birthday celebrations in a neighbour’s parking lot where we provided space for local vendors to set up and celebrate with. With the support of the BC Craft Farmers Association, we hosted Prince George’s first-ever 420 street party, which was also the first time in BC history where a street was legally closed down to celebrate cannabis.”
Lebel also outlined security measures Epik has put in place, including cameras monitoring George Street, the back door and alleyway. Footage from these cameras has been given to the RCMP “on numerous occasions,” she added.
First and second readings of a rezoning bylaw will be considered at the Jan. 13 meeting. If passed, council will hold a public hearing before granting final approval.
