PORT COQUITLAM, BC – April 17, 2019…Four proposed cannabis retail outlets have passed the first hurdle in Port Coquitlam’s extensive vetting process.

Tuesday, Port Coquitlam’s Committee of Council selected four proposals – all for commercial areas and each offering community benefits – to proceed through a site-specific rezoning process similar to how liquor establishments are considered, including a requirement for a public hearing.

Eighteen rezoning applications, including two for provincial government outlets, were received during an initial one-month application window that allowed the city a side-by-side comparison of the city’s first proposed cannabis retail outlets.

“The approval process, based on extensive public consultation last year, brings the necessary checks and balances while also ensuring our community gains as much as possible,” said Mayor Brad West. “Whichever applications we ultimately select will contribute to our local economy, offer jobs with a living wage and provide other community benefits.”

The four sites that will proceed through the rezoning process are located in the following areas: at Westwood Street/Lougheed Highway, Dominion Triangle, Mary Hill Bypass/Broadway Street and Lougheed/Oxford Street.

Applicants were required to meet criteria set out in Port Coquitlam’s Cannabis Establishment Policy, including:

• Being located in an area designated for commercial uses.
• At least one kilometre from another cannabis outlet.
• At least 250 metres away from uses such as schools and playgrounds, and consideration of proximity to sensitive uses such as daycares, gathering spaces and shelters.
• Discreet name and signage and a visually appealing storefront.
• Consideration of impact on immediate neighbours.
• Provision of a community benefit.

The other fourteen applications were put on hold for Council to consider in the future; including the three applications for sites located in the downtown area which were deferred pending direction from the city’s downtown action planning process.  

The four selected applications which were considered to best meet the city’s policies and provided the most attractive benefits are:

• Burb Cannabis, 24-2755 Lougheed Hwy. – proposes financial assistance to local charities, employee social initiatives, student scholarships and employment at a living wage.
• Burb Cannabis (smaller second site), 1502 Broadway St. – proposes financial assistance to local charities, employee social initiatives, student scholarships and employment at a living wage.
• BC Cannabis Store (provincial government), 970 Dominion Ave. – proposes fundraising for local charities, profits directed to public services, and employment of public servants.
• BC Cannabis Store (provincial government), 1971 Lougheed Hwy. – proposes fundraising for local charities, profits directed to public services, and employment of public servants.

The next steps for each proponent will include posting a sign at the proposed site, comprehensive staff review, verifying how the community benefit will be implemented, and first and second reading of an amending bylaw by Council followed by a public hearing.

“These are by no means a done deal,” said Cllr. Steve Darling, who has the Community Safety portfolio. “Every application will go through a rigourous review and public consultation, and we’re also committed to monitoring this new business sector and making changes along the way if necessary.” 

The sites will also be required to meet provincial requirements for odour management and security.

Additional applications will now be considered on a case-by-case basis.

More information and links to the policy, bylaw and report on the rezoning applications are posted at www.portcoquitlam.ca/cannabis.

– 30 –

MEDIA CONTACTS

Jennifer Little
Manager, Planning Division
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel: 604.927.5243
Email: littlej@portcoquitlam.ca