At their meeting on Monday, Council gave first and second reading to a zoning amendment bylaw that would allow a cannabis store on Main Street. (Michele Weisz photo)

By Vanessa Broadbent

Osoyoos Times

Not only Osoyoos’ first cannabis store, but also its second could be opening soon.

At their meeting on Monday, Town Council unanimously decided to move forward with two zoning amendment bylaws that would allow dispensaries to operate within Town limits.

The first, an application for a shop at 8322 Main Street, received first and second readings unanimously and without discussion.

The applicant is Jana-Michelle Howardson, director of Maple Leaf Greenery Ltd.

The property has remained vacant for a few years, aside from occasional office use, Gina MacKay, director of planning and development services, said in a report to Council.

MacKay told Council that having the store on Main Street fit into the Town’s Official Community Plan, which promotes a “dynamic mix of complementary Downtown uses and encourages a variety of businesses.”

The suggested property includes on-site staff parking behind the store in accordance with a policy Council adopted in September regarding rezoning considerations for cannabis retail stores.

Customer parking would be available on Main Street and 85th Street, as well as in a day use parking lot at the corner of 78th Ave. and 85th Street.

The property is also not on a route that children take to school, MacKay’s report stated.

“Staff is of the opinion that this location is suitable for the proposed use and will enable a new business to be established in the Town of Osoyoos,” she said.

All cannabis stores are now required to obtain provincial licensing from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch but cannot do so without local government approval.

In October, Town Council agreed to only grant approval for cannabis stores on a case-by-case basis by requiring that each applicant apply for site-specific zoning.

As required by the rezoning bylaw, Council agreed to schedule a public hearing for Jan. 21 at 4 p.m.

Following the hearing, Council will decide if the bylaw should be given third reading. If so, it will be put on hold until all necessary approvals have been obtained from the Province.

The applicant will also need to comply with any requirements of the Town’s business license program.

The second rezoning bylaw, which unanimously received its third reading, allows a dispensary to operate at 8304 72 Ave., the former location of Osoyoos Signs.

The proposal was the subject of a public hearing on Dec. 3 where residents raised concerns about the amount of parking on site, lighting, and that the property was in a “back alley.”

“An owner of a neighbouring property raised concerns about the sale of cannabis in the area,” MacKay told Council. “It was also noted that this use would bring additional traffic to an already congested area.”

Two other residents shared their belief that the location was not ideal, MacKay said.

However, the applicant, Richard Stagg of OG Canna Cabana Inc., spoke at the hearing as well and stated intent to make improvements to the building and be a “good neighbour.”

MacKay also told Council that the proposed location aligns with the Town’s Official Community Plan.

As for parking, the four stalls on the property are similar to other businesses  downtown and other parking is available in the area, she said.

Before moving forward with the business, Stagg is now required to obtaining provincial licensing.