Tonight’s (Monday) Prince George City Council meeting saw the first and second reading of an application from Copilot Cannabis, a business hoping to open at the airport, move forward.
A third and final reading, as well as a public hearing are still needed for the rezoning application, but the staff report to council showed the RCMP had some issues with the potential shop.
According to the staff report, police were not supportive of the application because it could lead to:
- Negative impacts to Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) staff at the security screening to ensure property packing, weights for domestic flights; and
- Potential issues for connecting international flights at land borders where cannabis is not legal and possible criminal charges for exporting cannabis.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will also need to put its two cents forward, as approval from the Ministry is necessary prior to the final reading.
However, other regulatory powers are in support of the shop setting up at the airport.
“The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch has completed its assessment of the eligibility and suitability requirements of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act for the applicant, and has determined that the applicant is fit and proper for the purposes of the act,” said Director of Planning and Development Deanna Wasnick.
According to the Manager of Legislative Services Maureen Connelly, City Councillors won’t be able to comment on the application until after the public hearing.
“It would be important for Council to maintain an open mind and not have a decision made going into the public hearing, nor during the public consultation period, indicating any sort of set approach or decision on the proposed bylaw.”
More information was given by Copilot to the City, giving a better vision of what the proposed business would look like.
In the supporting documents given to the City, Copilot outlined that the main demographic that they are hoping to attract are domestic travelers, and travelers arriving at the airport.
Copilot noted that residents in the surrounding area, as well as airport staff ending their shift would also be welcomed as well.
The business hopes to open up this summer, and aims to have four to eight staff, serving 100 customers a day.
City Council also discussed the application for the 2025 Special Olympics, the Strategic Plan for 2022-2024 was outlined, and the Election Officers for the October 15th General Election were chosen.