Three entrepreneurs hoping for a cannabis shop in Prince George are thanking city council for lowering the proposed cannabis retail licensing fee by $4,000.
Sandra and Derrick Przysieny along with business partner Joe Postnikoff, from Grasshopper Retail Inc, expressed their appreciation at the public hearing portion of council’s Oct. 1 meeting.
Council opened the floor for discussion and public input before voting on the third reading of bylaws and regulations that are needed to allow for cannabis retail sales in Prince George.
“First of all we would like to thank you for your decision at the last council meeting to lower the cannabis business license fee from $5,000 to $1,000,” Sandra told council, adding that it “means a great deal to us as we are in a unique position where at the moment no banks will give us a loan or talk with us.”
Postinkoff added it was a huge benefit, as they're all working professionals, born and raised in Prince George, who are using their own capital to invest in the business.
Sandra also explained to council that Grasshopper Retail Inc. has just received approval for a business license from the province – which is an extensive process that requires a $7,500 fee, criminal record checks, employment history, budget, and business plan.
“The municipality has the last say in the process and once we have the green light we are so excited to get the renovations started,” Sandra tells PrinceGeorgeMatters, adding that they'll be investing in interior and exterior updates as well as security for their building.
Before council voted on the three cannabis related bylaws at hand, councillors were invited to make comments.
“I think we have some young entrepreneurs here tonight that are going to invest in the community and I think it’s a win-win situation,” says Coun. Brian Skakun. “I think it’s important that we let the business community know it’s another part of our business community that is welcome.”
All councillors voted to pass the third reading of the bylaws, except for Coun. Albert Kohler who made his opposition to cannabis clear.
“I have experienced substance abuse in my own family because of that and other issues I would vote against,” says Kohler. “I do not know whether with cannabis in Prince George it’s a better place to be – I doubt it but that is all I can say.”
The bylaws and regulations will now come back to council on Oct. 15 for fourth reading and adoption, just two days before the official legalization date on Oct. 17.
“City council has been great and it’s been great to see their show of support,” says Sandra. “Even people who are not a thousand per cent for it are still open-minded I’d say and they have had great points to make.”
Postnikoff adds that they are excited that council has been embracing their business mindset and entrepreneurship.
"I think that is a benefit of living in Prince George,” he says.
