Prince George denies Third Ave. cannabis store a second time, now reviewing bylaw

An independent cannabis store across from Intersect Youth and Family Services, an alternative school, has been denied a temporary-use permit for a second time.

Kush Kove, located at 1239 Third Ave. proposed by pharmacist Nasser Kamani was first denied at the Apr. 8 city council meeting, after facing opposition from many concerned Intersect employees.

Intersect is a non-profit organization that runs counselling services for youth under 19 years old who struggle with mental health and addiction problems, and also runs a school for roughly 30 children from grade eight to 12 who can’t attend mainstream school.

After reapplying for another temporary-use permit, Kamani came to last night’s meeting (June 24) for another public hearing, where he presented council with three options to consider:

Option A: Approve the application for a temporary-use permit allowing the store to be fully operational
Option B: Approve the temporary-use permit with modified business hours to accommodate Intersect’s operating hours
Option C: Approve a six-month temporary-use permit and cannabis retail license on the condition Kush Kove relocate to a different location via a relocation application with the province

However, Kamani and city staff did not have the same understanding as to whether the provincial government would allow option 'C' to be viable.

“You can take my word that I wouldn’t sell cannabis and just relocate. I’m happy to do that,” explained Kamani. “Going through the whole process again [with the province] for seven months would cost me $10,000 in fees and half my investment in properties.”

Ian Wells, general manager of planning, said the process would not be transparent or open if the city approved a cannabis temporary-use permit for a location without actually intending for cannabis to be sold at that location.

Application faces public opposition

Even with three options to consider, Kush Kove again faced passionate opposition from Intersect staff who were there to speak out against the application.

The city also received more than 50 letters opposing it.

“In our minds, nothing has changed,” said Shannon Croy, executive director of Intersect during her presentation to council, adding that the third option is convoluted.

Croy also said she would also not be in support of Option 'B,' a change of hours to accommodate the school because Intersect has evening programming as well.

“He’s made a fair application, he’s worked really hard, and he’s been very understanding. I’d like to recognize that,” said Coun. Kyle Sampson of the applicant. “But, I cannot support option 'B' or 'C' because it’s not that intent to use that land for that store.”

Coun. Terri McConnachie, who supported the application back in April, again spoke in support of Kamani’s application.

“When it comes from a land use perspective another way to looking at it is we have an alternative learning centre in our downtown retail entertainment centre,” said McConnachie. “I think that there are triggers for folks that are having difficulties but I don’t think that is solely on a regulated, secure, retail cannabis store that is inaccessible to minors with frosted windows run by a pharmacist.”

Coun. Frank Everett then moved to support Option C, the six-month temporary-use permit to allow for relocation, but when it came to a vote it was defeated.

Once council put the original three-year temporary use permit application on the table, it was also defeated in a vote by the majority of council, with Coun. McConnachie in favour.

Council looks to review cannabis bylaw

During his closing comments, Kamani expressed frustration with the process and asked for clarification within the bylaws.

“So this doesn’t happen to other people you guys should reconsider putting this in the bylaw because I abided by all of them,” said Kamani, in reference to the allowable distance from schools.

Coun. Cori Ramsay then asked if council could review the bylaw, as it’s already affecting businesses.

“I think the public input from tonight has really affirmed for me this is something we need to clarify because we have denied this application based on rules that don’t exist,” said Ramsay. “I think it would be fair for businesses going forward this is something that we really solidify.”

She then made a motion that administration bring the bylaw regarding cannabis and the distance from schools back to council for review.

After some discussion, the motion was passed by council with Coun. Everett and Coun. Murry Krause opposing.

Flora Recreational Cannabis approved

Earlier in the evening council approved a temporary use permit and cannabis license application for Flora Recreational Cannabis, who are opening a store at 3320 Massey Drive adjacent to Princess Auto.

There were no written submissions for or against this location, or any speakers opposing it.

That brings the total approved cannabis stores in Prince George to six: