Two cannabis retail sales businesses are a step closer to opening in Osoyoos.
On Monday, Osoyoos council gave first and second readings to a zoning amendment for Maple Leaf Greenery Ltd. who are proposing to open their business at 8322 Main St.
Planning director Gina MacKay said the property has been mostly vacant over the years besides occasional office use and that town staff is in the opinion that the location is suitable for the proposed use.
A hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 21, 2019 at 4 p.m. for the public to provide any comments about the proposed zoning amendment.
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Another application, that was received by Osoyoos town council previously, already held a public open house. OG Canna Cabana is proposing retail cannabis sales at 8304 72nd Ave.
MacKay said an owner of a neighbouring property at the public hearing raised concerns about the sale of cannabis in the area and the additional traffic it would bring to an already congested part of the town. Two other citizens commented that it is not the ideal location for cannabis retail sales.
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While town council did not discuss either zoning amendments at the Monday council meeting, MacKay said staff is of the opinion that the 72nd Avenue storefront was also a suitable location and the parking situation is not unlike any other business downtown. The applicant has four designated spots, supplemented with public parking.
Both of the businesses are following the steps set out by the provincial government, where they are required to receive municipal government approval before they can be considered for licensing from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
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