City Council rejects George Street location for new cannabis store

Showing support for a new business opening up in the downtown; Councilor Terri McConnachie, Councilor Brian Skaken, Councilor Kyle Sampson and Councilor Garth Frizzell amended the recommendation, voicing support to approve the permit for Epik Products Inc. Frizzell moved for a two-year temporary use permit rather than the three-year that was suggested by Councilor McConnachie.

“This is a controversial issue in the public eye right now, and by two years from now we’re going to see whether cannabis is a contributor, or is not a contributor, to the downfall of society. That is exactly when the next election is going to be, so this could be an election issue, and the people who run for the next council should be well aware of this,” stated Frizzell prior to voicing his motion for a two-year temporary use permit.

However, despite the passing of the amended temporary use permit to two years, the permit was ultimately denied by a 4-4 vote.

Mayor Hall voiced his concern with the location as it would add to the already existing number of cannabis outlets in the downtown if council were to approve for the temporary use permit, and he was not alone with those concerns.

“When I look at cannabis, I find it comparable to liquor. If this was liquor, there are distance requirements for those locations we wouldn’t be able to do this. So why should we be able to do this with a legal substance like cannabis,” Councilor Cori Ramsey asked, further addressing the two cannabis retail locations already within a 1.6 kilometre distance to the subject location.

Mayor Lyn Hall, Councilor Frank Everitt, Councilor Susan Scott and Councilor Ramsey voted in opposition to the permit, with Councilor Murry Krause being absent for the meeting.

by Ethan Ready

City Council rejects George Street location for new cannabis store

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