Retail cannabis buffer zones to be debated tonight

In September, Mayor Linda Brown moved a notice motion to have staff investigate the current buffer zone for retail cannabis shops in Merritt and compare them to other communities. The request came after Council approved Unity Cannabis.

“This followed the Public Consultation on the application by Unity Cannabis, where a number of public submissions had suggested that they felt the proposed store was too near other retail cannabis uses. There appeared to be a concern that Merritt’s rules might not be common, or appropriate to the situation,” wrote Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis.

This evening, research will be presented to Council showing that Merritt’s buffer zones are comparable to many communities across B.C.

“Of the communities who use buffer zones, Merritt’s distances seem broadly comparable– depending on the buffer, Merritt’s distances are 100-150metres. Other communities prohibit stores from a minimum of 50m to a maximum of 300m from other specific uses,” added Lowis.

No recommendation is being made from Staff tonight as the report is being put forward as information, however Council may choose to act upon it.

The meeting begins at 6 pm tonight (Tuesday).