Pubdate: Thu, 10 Mar 2016
Source: Chief, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Whistler Printing & Publishing
Website: http://www.squamishchief.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2414
Feedback: http://www.squamishchief.com/opinion/send-us-a-letter
Author: Jennifer Thuncher
Page: A9

COUNCIL MULLS POT SHOP RULES

Dispensaries have caused some trouble for municipalities: planner

Like Vancouver and Port Alberni, Squamish may soon have its own rules
for marijuana dispensaries.

Council mulled over potential regulations for dispensaries at the
committee of the whole Tuesday.

The newly elected federal government has promised to legalize
marijuana and provide a regulatory framework for its sale, but in the
meantime there is a void that leaves municipalities like Squamish with
illegal storefront dispensaries and no guidelines to follow.

"In the absence of federal leadership, dispensaries have caused some
trouble for municipalities," said district planner John Chapman.

Chapman recommended council consider regulations to manage the
location and operation of dispensaries, expected to increase here due
to the promised legalization and the newly implemented $30,000
business licence fee in Vancouver that may drive business owners up
the corridor.

"By establishing regulations now, we can avoid the proliferation of
dispensaries in places where you don't want them to be," Chapman said.

Some communities, such as Duncan, have amended zoning and licensing to
prohibit dispensaries, he said, but no one on council seemed to favour
that option.

No regulations were set at the meeting. Instead, staff was encouraged
to finesse its recommendations and come back to council.

"This is a good discussion to have and as we transition to something
new, it is good to be cautious," said Councillor Jason Blackman-Wulff.
"I think the main principle being that we want to encourage operators
who are responsible and follow good protocols around their
dispensaries."

One option staff proposed is council making changes to the zoning
bylaw to allow dispensaries in retail zones, except on Cleveland
Avenue. Restrictions would include being 300 metres from schools and
other dispensaries and not allowing dual usage for
dispensaries.

Another option proposed was to put in restrictions such as limiting
the hours of operation to daytime and banning consumption on the
premises and delivery services.

Staff recommended a fee for business licences between $4,000 and
$5,000.

The suggestion dispensaries prohibit minors from entering dispensaries
was challenged by Councillor Susan Chapelle who preferred a provision
minors are permitted when accompanying an adult, as is the case for
liquor stores.

"I just worry about moms who have to leave their kids outside, which I
wouldn't want to do," she said.

Council also debated whether creating a cap on the total number of
business licences issued for dispensaries was fair or if using zoning
and buffer zones to restrict the number was more appropriate.

The RCMP do not support municipalities regulating dispensaries, until
federal law changes, Chapman said. Therefore business licensees would
have to be aware they could still face police action for operating a
marijuana dispensary.

Councillor Doug Race said though he generally agreed with the proposed
regulations he was uncomfortable moving ahead with implementing them
before the federal government formally legalizes the drug.

"I used to be a lawyer and I am troubled by the fact that this has not
yet gone through the Parliament of Canada," he said. "So I wouldn't be
happy with putting a series of regulations like this into place
[yet]=C2=85. This is essentially trafficking and we have to keep that in
mind."

The next step in the process of creating municipal regulations is for
district staff to prepare zoning bylaw and business licence amendments
and bring them back for council's consideration in April.

After the meeting, advocates for marijuana dispensaries were pleased
with what they heard.

"I think Squamish city council, frankly, if I could clone them and put
them across Canada, I would be thrilled," said Ian Dawkins, executive
director of Cannabis Growers of Canada. "This is legalization, it is a
big deal, it is going to take some work, but at the end of the day if
that is your approach, you are going to get to the right place."

Local dispensary owner and former councillor Bryan Raiser said he was
also pleased with what he heard from council.

"I know the challenges council is facing and the community is facing,
and I am actually pretty proud of them making this decision, but they
also know they have to," he said, adding he believes other
dispensaries will be setting up in Squamish, so he wishes the rules
had already been instituted. "I don't think this can come fast enough."
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