City invites discussion on Cannabis Framework

The proposed framework for introducing cannabis retail sales in Penticton is now available for residents to review. The framework was developed based on results of a city-wide survey this past spring and was first shared with Council at a meeting on July 3. The City has published a summary of the framework along with a map on shapeyourcitypenticton.ca in preparation for community engagement activities later this month.

The proposed framework for introducing cannabis retail sales in Penticton is now available for residents to review. The framework was developed based on results of a city-wide survey this past spring and was first shared with Council at a meeting on July 3. The City has published a summary of the framework on shapeyourcitypenticton.ca in preparation for community engagement activities later this month.

“The city-wide survey provided great direction for the development of the framework,” says Blake Laven, 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.”

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 pm and 7 pm. Key features of the framework include:

• The City of Penticton 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 m of a public or private, primary, middle or secondary school. This distance will be measured as a buffer from the school property.

• Stores will not be permitted to be located within 300 m of another licensed cannabis retail store in the downtown, nor within 750 m of another licensed cannabis store in other areas of the city. This distance will be measured as a buffer from the store footprint.

• 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 am to 8 pm seven days a week) and the sale of accessory items would not be allowed to exceed 20%. 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 the following City of Penticton 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.

• The City of Penticton will defer to the provincial government process to conduct security screening and financial integrity checks of the applicant.

• The City will only receive and consider applications from prospective retailers that have been referred to the City through the provincial government licensing process.

• 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.

• The City’s Smoking Bylaw will be updated to reflect the restrictions on public use of cannabis.

Residents who cannot attend the open house can also review materials and share their feedback by completing a feedback form on shapeyourcitypenticton.ca beginning August 24 through to September 7. Paper copies will also be available at City Hall and the library. The feedback gathered through this next round of engagement will be used to refine the proposed framework and prepare the necessary regulatory documents for Council to consider this fall. Still to be confirmed is the City’s approach to processing applications for retail storefronts that are referred by the provincial government. A copy of the proposed framework is now available on shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.