West Kelowna city council will restrict the number of cannabis stores to four —two in the Westbank Centre and two near the its business park.
Council directed staff Tuesday to review minimum separation distances between non-medicinal cannabis stores and other facilities, such as youth clubs, and reccomend a minimum separation distance. Council also agreed consumption will be regulated under the same bylaw provisions as vaping and tobacco smoking under the Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw.
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Staff was also directed to develop and evaluate a framework for an intake period for applicants for cannabis retail sales to help limit the amount of new application that may be submitted and to shortlist applications for council’s consideration.
The city will require successful applicants to apply to rezone land slated for cannabis retail stores. The city will consider preparing a future municipal framework when legislation and land use reccomendations are better understood.
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Recreational marijuana will be legalized in Canada Oct. 17, staff will return with reccomendations in an upcoming council meeting.
Currently cannabis sales are not allowed in West Kelowna.
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