After preliminary approval for a re-zoning application was given in June, city councillors in Delta, B.C., have finally adopted a bylaw amendment that will allow the municipality’s first legal cannabis store to open its doors.
In a meeting Monday, councillors adopted an amendment in favour of Lloyd Investments Ltd., meaning that a Seed and Stone pot shop can open 616 Chester Road, an industrial property on Annacis Island.
Feedback for the store given at a public hearing at the end of June was generally positive.
Read more: Delta, BC mostly pro-pot shop ahead of first store’s fate in July
As its been several years since cannabis was legalized for adult-use in Canada, it’s important there’s reasonable access in Delta for those who wish to buy and sell this legal product, Coun. Dylan Kruger tells Mugglehead in an email.
Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger has voiced support for cannabis retail in his city. Submitted photo
“There is a growing expectation from residents that Delta Council approve new cannabis retail stores and that we treat the sale of cannabis the same as alcohol,” he says.
“The process to get our first store approved was long but we now have an additional seven applications in stream for new stores throughout our community. I expect these applications to move much faster and to receive support.”
City staff brought the initial application for the proposed store to a council workshop last November.
The councillor notes that access to legal cannabis is important for people who rely on it for medical purposes.
As more stores open moving forward, legal access will be “crucial” to helping reduce the influence of the illicit market in local neighbourhoods, he continues.
Despite the wait, Seed and Stone says the overall process was smooth and positive.
“We really appreciate [council’s] support and are looking forward to doing our part as a cannabis retailer in the community,” a spokesperson said.
The retailer is waiting on the status of a building permit, and expects to open in the spring of next year.
While recreational cannabis sales have been legal for over three years, not every municipality allows stores yet. Regions without stores include Surrey and West Vancouver, but the latter is set to approve its first round of applications in December.
Read more: West Vancouver set to approve first 4 pot shops
Read more: A few months in, BC weed delivery broadens reach but benefits are mixed
After the province allowed legal cannabis delivery in July, retailers have been able to serve neighbourhoods without stores.
Mugglehead has reached out to Seed and Stone for more details on the opening.
Update (2021-11-29 2:40 p.m. PT): This article has been updated with comment from Seed and Stone.
Follow Kathryn Tindale on Twitter
kathryn@mugglehead.com
