The City of Penticton says its framework for cannabis sales is now open for public review.
On Tuesday, the city announced that the framework can be viewed online at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca, and that community engagement regarding cannabis sales in Penticton will be taking place later this month. The framework was developed from a city-wide survey this past spring, with results being shared with city council on July 3rd.
“The city-wide survey provided great direction for the development of the framework,” said Blake Laven, city planning manager. “After reviewing our proposed approach with the business community and other stakeholders, and with recent information about the provincial licensing process, we have made some refinements and are now ready to more formally share the recommended approach with residents.”
According to the city, the proposed cannabis framework is one of four topics that will be discussed at an open house on August 28 at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Key features of the framework include:
- The city will allow retail sales of cannabis in the community when it is legalized.
- Retail stores will be permitted downtown and in established commercial areas. Stores will not be permitted on the 100, 200, and 300 blocks of Main Street or Front Street.
- Retail cannabis sales will be added as a permitted use in the C4, C5 and C6 zones identified by the city’s zoning bylaw. As a permitted use, a rezoning application will not be required.
- Retail stores will not be permitted within 300 metres of a public or private, primary, middle or secondary school.
- Stores will not be permitted to be located within 300 metres of another licensed cannabis retail store in the downtown, nor within 750 metres of another licensed cannabis store in other areas of the city.
- The number of stores will be limited to approximately seven with the creation of buffers. The city will not set a cap on the number of stores.
- The operations of stores will resemble the rules for liquor stores. Stores will be allowed to operate during similar hours (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week) and the sale of accessory items would not be allowed to exceed 20 per cent. Security measures including video surveillance must be in place and operation at all times.
- The city will require adherence to all provincial storefront requirements and city requirements:
- Storefronts must be transparent and present a positive image to the street to which the storefronts (complete window coverings are not permitted)
- Signage and display materials must not include graphics intended to appeal to minors, show the use of cannabis, or promote intoxication (for example works such as ‘high,’ ‘stoned,’ ‘chronic’ etc., may not be used)
- Roll shutters or security bars are not permitted to be installed in any area visible from the street to which the store fronts.
- Video surveillance is required inside the store and covering any entrances and exits outside the store.
- Whereas tobacco use is allowed in select public locations, smoking and vaping of cannabis will not be allowed in public. Smoking and vaping of cannabis will only be allowed on private property.
- Residents who cannot attend the open house can also review materials and share their views by completing a feedback form on shapeyourcitypenticton.ca beginning August 24 through to September 7. Paper copies of the form will also be available at city hall and the library.