Comox council would like to hear the public’s opinion on its proposed cannabis regulations.
An amendment to bylaws 1889 and 1891 was brought before council at Wednesday’s meeting, which proposed to permit the retail sale of recreational cannabis within the town.
The proposal suggests limiting the number of business licences issued for cannabis stores to a total of three, with two designated within the downtown core and one outside the area.
Municipal planner Marvin Kamenz said the bylaw would contain regulations to prohibit a store on the same parcel of land as a liquor store, gas bar or service station, as they are considered high-traffic areas.
Earlier this year, council voted in favour of a ‘blank sheet’ to work from, and like some other municipalities in the Valley, initially prohibited the sale of cannabis within the town.
Councillors were quick to point out that Comox Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1880 was not a ban on the sale of marijuana, but rather the first step in a process while they awaited further direction from provincial and federal governments.
A proposed regulatory framework to permit the sale of marijuana was presented to council on June 6, and subsequently presented to the public during an open house June 14.
Comments from the open house indicated concern about the maximum number of recreational cannabis stores, stores that sell cannabis-related paraphernalia, and businesses that advocate or promote the use of recreational cannabis.
A public hearing for Comox Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1890 is set for Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the d’Esterre House at 1801 Beaufort Ave.