Two applications to open cannabis retail stores in Tsawwassen moved a step closer to final approval following a public hearing on Tuesday night.
The first rezoning application by Queensborough Cannabis Co., is for a vacant retail outlet at a strip mall at 1274 56 St. in Tsawwassen. Located northeast of the intersection of 56 Street and 12 Avenue, the outlet would include a 1,163-square-foot retail storefront and 710-square-feet for office and storage.
Calvin Basron, representing company owner Ron Basron, told Delta council that Queensborough Cannabis has made hundreds of product deliveries to South Delta residents, so it’s clear there is already a customer base.
He also described the positive attributes of the proposed store and their existing New Westminster store.
It was an even split of the eight speakers on the application with those in favour saying people need convenience and choice, while some of those opposed said stores selling drugs are not appropriate for the community. One speaker said she didn’t like the idea of two cannabis stores in such close proximity to each other.
Next on the agenda was an application for a non-medical cannabis shop by Imagine Cannabis Co. for a unit at Bayside Village Mall at 1179 56 St. Located southwest of the intersection of 56 Street and 12 Avenue, that dispensary would include 420 square-feet of retail storefront and just over 100-square-feet for office and storage.
That store, as well as the application by Queensborough, would be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saying their store would be boutique-style, secure and discreet, owner Harp Hoojan told council they plan to provide a delivery service from the location. He noted they gathered a petition in Tsawwassen with more than 200 names in support.
In a special meeting following the public hearing, council granted third reading for both applications, but final approval is still required.
Coun. Lois Jackson voiced opposition, saying she’s concerned about having two stores close to each other, and that she isn’t sure cannabis stores will ultimately provide anything positive.
The province’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch only considers granting approvals for dispensaries if applications are endorsed by local governments.
Council on Monday gave final approval by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for a government-run store at Scottsdale Mall in North Delta.
Two other private stores have already been approved and are open in Delta.
Staff are reviewing several other applications, but council had instructed staff not to accept any more applications beyond those for the time being.
Council on Tuesday asked staff for a formal report to let the public know there is a moratorium on new applications.
