CANNABIS RETAIL SALES OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT SEPTEMBER 26, 5-7 PM WELCOME How do you think Port Coquitlam should regulate the retail sale of cannabis? Learn more and give us your feedback! Take our online survey by Oct. 1: portcoquitlam.ca/cannabis
BACKGROUND Why are we considering cannabis retail sales? After the Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) takes effect October 17, 2018, it will be legal to produce, distribute, sell and possess recreational cannabis throughout Canada. The Province has also adopted regulations: British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch will control the wholesale distribution of all cannabis. The Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch will govern licensing and monitor the retail sale of cannabis. Municipalities have the ability to determine whether to permit cannabis sales in their community and set regulations and restrictions. RETAIL SALES PROCESS Managed by the Province Federally Distribution & Retail Stores & ID check licensed warehousing Online Sales producers Licensed Government Private stores Customers private warehouses Government- age 19+ producers run stores and online sales
PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR CANNABIS RETAIL SALES Overview Proposed policies are intended to minimize the impact on the community by: The proposed process is similar to how the City Establishing guidelines for location, store size and design, carefully regulates liquor retail sales and Requiring all potential locations to be approved through a rezoning process, allowing Council to consider potential impacts, receive community feedback and make decisions on a case-by-case basis. PROPOSED SITE CRITERIA Designation in the Official Community Plan for commercial land use. At least 1 km away from other cannabis outlets. At least 200 m away from schools, playgrounds, community centres and sports fields.
PROPOSED BUFFER ZONES COMMERCIAL DESIGNATED AREAS & 200-METRE BUFFERS ± Legend Schools Community Centres Playgrounds/Sports Fields School Buffer Community Centre Buffer Playgrounds/Sports Fields Buffer Commercial Land Use Designations * All buffers are approximate 1 Kilometers
PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR CANNABIS RETAIL SALES LAND USE CONSIDERATIONS Potential impact to nearby sensitive uses, such as child care facilities, churches, shelters and recovery homes and transportation routes. PUBLIC INPUT Input must be obtained from nearby residents and businesses. STORE DESIGN Visually appealing, consistent with character of nearby buildings. Layout discourages on-premises sampling or consumption. OTHER CONDITIONS Interior signs informing customers of City smoking restrictions. Installation of an air filtration system to mitigate odours. Measures to address any concerns identified in review process. Proposal for a community benefit, e.g. educational programs or community service.
PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR CANNABIS RETAIL APPLICATIONS APPLICATION TO LIQUOR & CANNABIS REGULATION BRANCH (LCRB) LCRB REFERRAL TO PORT COQUITLAM Can be concurrent REZONING APPLICATION TO PORT COQUITLAM CITY REVIEW OF APPLICATION REZONING APPLICATION APPROVED CITY RESPONSE TO LCRB PROVINCIAL LICENCE ISSUED APPLICATION FOR PORT COQUITLAM BUSINESS LICENCE & TENANT IMPROVEMENT PERMITS REZONING APPLICATION DENIED CITY RESPONSE TO LCRB NO PROVINCIAL LICENCE ISSUED STORE NOT ESTABLISHED STORE ESTABLISHED APPLICATION TIMING Complete rezoning applications received in the first 30 days of City policy and bylaw adoption to be considered at the same time. Applications received after the first 30 days would be considered in date order. The City will respond to referrals from the LCRB after Council has approved or rejected an application to amend the zoning bylaw. The LCRB will not issue a provincial cannabis retail licence until the City has confirmed its support of the application.
CANNABIS USE RESTRICTIONS SMOKING REGULATIONS The City s Smoking Control Bylaw restricts smoking or vaping of any kind including cannabis in public locations around Port Coquitlam. In addition, the Province restricts smoking or vaping in the workplace. Smoking and vaping are banned: Parks, trails & playgrounds 7.5m (25ft) from public building doors, vents & windows; 6m from workplace openings 7.5m (25ft) from transit shelters & bus stops City streets during public outdoor events OTHER RESTRICTIONS Customers of cannabis retail outlets will not be allowed to consume or test samples of products at the outlet. Cannabis lounges are not permitted in B.C.
NEXT STEPS PUBLIC CONSULTATION Consultation is running from Sept. 5 to Oct. 1. City staff will report back to Council s Community and Intergovernmental Committee in fall 2018. APPROVAL OF NEW POLICY & REGULATIONS Staff report on cannabis to Committee Federal Legalization Oct. 17, 2018 Council readings of bylaws & policies 30-day window to consider first applications JULY 24, 2018 SEPTEMBER 2018 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2018 Public consultation Report on consultation and recommended bylaws & policies to Committee Council adoption of bylaws & policies Review of future applications GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK! Take our online survey by Oct. 1: portcoquitlam.ca/cannabis