The operator of Humboldt’s legal cannabis store is hoping to locate at the Humboldt Commons mall. Council voted to begin public consultations on the matter.
An initial report on the matter was presented by Anthony Andre, the city’s planning co-ordinator, at the Oct. 9 council meeting.
“The only thing that it is asking for is if we proceed with the process, whereby I would create a report with more information and study this further for council to decide whether or not they want to approve it, deny it or approve it with conditions,” he told council, adding the other option was to stop the process and deny Canopy Growth from placing their store at the location.
Coun. Sandy Weyland told council she had concerns about the location.
“My issue is going into a big shopping mall with families shopping,” she said. “I was expecting a more discreet location, not in the middle of a big shopping mall.”
Coun. Lorne Pratchler said he wasn't concerned about the public location because federal regulations limit what can be seen and promoted from the outside.
“I think also being in a public area does offer an opportunity for a few more eyes to be on the place, rather than being concealed someplace out of the way,” he said.
A public hearing about the proposed location will be held at the Nov. 13 council meeting.
“We actually extended the time period,” Andre said. “We legally only have to advertise for seven days.”
The location is almost 300 metres away from Humboldt Collegiate Institute. City bylaws require cannabis stores to be 150 metres away from a school.
All property owners within a 75-metre radius must be contacted by the city so they can give feedback if they deem it necessary. The planning department will take a few extra steps to ensure rental tenants are also informed.
