Pot shop denied permit after strong opposition from nearby school

One of these things is not like the other.

Prince George is cautiously approaching Cannabis Retail in the downtown area, evident this evening at City Council when they shot down one pot shop application but approved another.  

Grasshopper Retail was approved for a Temporary Use Permit for 421 George Street, located in the same building as North City Donair, but Kush Kove didn’t make the cut for the same permit following complaints from would-be neighbours.

Shannon Croy is Executive Director of Intersect Youth and Family Services, a non-profit society that provides voluntary counselling for children and youth and home to an alternative school that around 30 students under 19 attend. Intersect is right across the street from the location, 1289 3rd Avenue, that Kush Kove would take. 

“Having a liquor or cannabis retailer adjacent to a public service provided primarily for children and youth ages 0-18 years is not in the interest of public health. The additional aspect that those accessing our services are already struggling with mental health challenges compounds this issue.”

According to Croy, the applicant hadn’t spoken to them or added them in the application as a neighbour despite their close proximity to the 1289 3rd Avenue location.

The opposition convinced all but one of the Councillors.

“With these kinds of things I come in with an open mind,” said Councillor Brian Skakun.

“I’ve heard some compelling arguments. The ones breaking into cars now are not the people coming downtown and buying pot, there’s no question, but big or small, it’s a school.”

Murry Krause said, “I will not be supporting because of the proximity to a school, especially one that serves at-risk youth.”

“I accept the Cannabis Retail, but I cannot accept the location. I have not been persuaded,” said Susan Scott.

Councillor Garth Frizzell said that he thought Council had missed the fact that a school was operating in the building, but given that it does, said he would be voting it down.

The lone supporter, Councillor Terri McConnachie said, “I’ve heard a lot of passion and I have a great amount of respect. The target market is adults, 19 years and up, who have the ability to make the decision to go and purchase cannabis.”

“This is an opportunity to see that both can exist on the same block.”

Despite McConnachie’s vote in favour, the permit was denied by Council.