Osoyoos Town Council took the first step Monday towards approving a retail cannabis outlet in downtown Osoyoos, but many other steps remain.

Council voted to give first and second readings to a zoning amendment bylaw that would provide site-specific zoning for cannabis sales at 8304 72nd Avenue, the former location of Osoyoos Signs.

Council also set a time for a public hearing in the council chambers at 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 3.

The applicant for the rezoning is Richard Stagg for Canna Cabana and the property owner is Witz Holdings.

If the zoning amendment bylaw is approved by council after the public hearing, the applicant will still need provincial licensing, which is only issued after the municipality approves.

“The provincial licensing process, coupled with the site-specific zoning provision, will allow for a one-step process for consideration of cannabis sales in the town,” said Gina MacKay, director of planning and development, in a report to council.

“Specifically, comments received through the rezoning process will be provided to the province for consideration during the provincial licensing process,” she added.

In October, the former town council decided to adopt a system of site-specific zoning for approval of cannabis retail outlets. Outlets will only be permitted in three types of commercial zones – downtown, shopping centre and highway commercial – but every application must come before council for site-specific approval.

The applicant must also then obtain a business license, but the previous council was unable to complete a bylaw change for cannabis business licenses.

MacKay said she is currently working with Barry Romanko, Town of Osoyoos chief administrative officer, to prepare a report on the business license bylaw that will come to council on Dec. 3.

In her report to council, MacKay noted the reasons why administration recommended council move forward with the rezoning.

The proposed use of the property is considered to be in conformance with the Official Community Plan, which promotes a mix of businesses in the downtown area, MacKay noted.

There are adequate access and egress and on-site and street parking, she said.

“The property is not highly visible from the prominent tourist route of Main Street,” said MacKay. “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.”

If, after the public hearing, council decides to give third reading to the bylaw, it would then be put on hold until the applicant receives provincial approval. The applicant would also need to meet any additional requirements that might be imposed through the business license program.

Finally, a development permit would also be required, which would be brought forward to council at the time the zoning amendment bylaw receives final adoption.

RICHARD McGUIRE

Osoyoos Times