Prince George may be seeing three more cannabis retailers setting up shop in the city.
On the roster for Monday’s city council meeting are three rezoning applications for locations around town, including from Cariboo Cannabis, which would be located at 100 Tabor Boulevard should it be approved.
There are three letters in opposition to the application and two in support. The Zion Lutheran Christian School (ZLCS) is adjacent to the property, Chairmen Steven Burke wrote that he is concerned that the location is within 100 metres of the school.
“Even though these facilities are now legal we feel there is still a negative connotation for the use of cannabis which could pose a potential negative impact on our school registration given the proximity of the retail cannabis store. Our school is small and any negative influences can have a significant impact when families are choosing a location to send their children for their education,” said Burke.
Dr. Terah M. Albertson owns a dental practice in the same plaza the proposed cannabis retailer is vying for. He believes that recreational cannabis poses a significant health risk to the general and oral health of the public.
“This is fact, I see it in my practice often, and this also the position of the Canadian dental association. I believe it is irresponsible to allow these kinds of shops in our city, especially when the sole benefit is monetary gain for the business owner and government entities,” said Albertson.
“Frankly, I do not want a recreational cannabis store located in the same plaza my dental practice is located in. We already have a liquor store located next door. Adding a Cannabis shop is just too much.”
The third letter, from Ryan & Amanda Yorston, cited the area as unsuitable for the store because it is a residential neighborhood with surrounding schools, school bus routes, and playgrounds.
In support were the Nechako Learning Centre and Afterglo, the former wrote that there is no difference between the liquor store that already exists in the plaza and Cariboo Cannabis.
“With the addition of the store the whole building could go non smoking which we would appreciate. With the closing of Mr. G there has been some vandalism. Having a store with longer opening hours would help deter the vandals,” said Terry Storey of the Nechako Learning Centre.
Earth to Sky Cannabis Company Ltd. is the second of the three rezoning applications, prompting a letter of concern from a nearby thrift store.
That cannabis store would be located at 1533 3rd Avenue and president of the Auxiliary to UHNBC Lindy Steele wrote that while they have no problem with the application, they do have some questions about parking, smell, and security.
The third applicant is BC Cannabis Stores, looking to open a retail location in the Spruceland Shopping Centre. Two letters were sent to Council in opposition to the development, one stating that the city has neglected to offset issues with developments or to improve the neighbourhood in the past.
“The area continues to look undeveloped and abandoned in terms of modern updates. There are no continuous cement sidewalks on either side of Ahbau or Central with one city garbage can for the entire Ahbau Street. Bus shelters, drink container recycling and ashtrays are needed. The city develops, then ignores the resulting state in which we are left to live,” wrote resident Wendy Girard.
Nancy Murphy wrote that she was ‘adamantly opposed’ to the proposal for reasons of high crime and existing problems due to a liquor store in the area.
“This is where the city chooses to have the bus “terminus” there are many children, teens and families that will be subjected to cannabis smell and with smell comes the same toxicity as tobacco smoke. According to medical documentation. If you are around people who are smoking, you too can test positive to THC. You can feel the effects of this drug whether you partake willingly or not. This is where all the kids who bus to school must go to catch their connecting buses,” wrote Murphy.
“It is well documented that addicts will steal to get money to purchase their drug of choice. It is also documented that if their drug of choice is not available they will seek out marijuana.”
Council meets in the Chambers at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, you can view the full agenda here.