Chilliwack – On August 21, Chilliwack City staff brought forward a zoning bylaw amendment that will create a new Cannabis Retail Zone to regulate and define storefront cannabis retail sales. The amendment was given first and second reading and a Public Hearing was called for September 4, 2018. You are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing to make their views known.
Prior to bringing forward the bylaw amendments, staff conducted extensive public consultation, including an online survey and public open house. Approximately 340 people took the survey, both online and at the Open House, and the majority of respondents (72.5%) supported cannabis retail sales in Chilliwack.
The development of a C9 (Cannabis Retail) Zone aims to address potential impacts of storefront cannabis retailers, mitigate exposure of minors, as well as avoid a concentration of storefront cannabis retailers in a commercial area.
The bylaw amendment also proposes a 300m buffer for the C9 Zone away from elementary and high schools, community centres, sports fields, playgrounds and supportive housing facilities or facilities that serve vulnerable youth.
Zoning bylaws address land use issues only. If the bylaw amendment passes after the Public Hearing, staff will bring forward Business License Bylaw amendments to address license fee and information requirements, such as the need for a security plan, air filtration systems and more.
With the creation of a C9 Zone, potential business owners/operators will need to apply to rezone property in conjunction with pursuing a retail licence application with the Province. All rezoning applications would be subject to public input and Council consideration.
Chilliwack residents are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing on September 4, 2018, to make their views about the creation of a C9 Zone known to Council. Those unable to attend may provide a written submission, including full name and address, to the Corporate Services Department at 8550 Young Road, Chilliwack, BC V2P 8A4, or by email to clerks@chilliwack.com no later than 4:00pm on the date of the Public Hearing. All submissions will be recorded and form part of the official record of the meeting.
Visit chilliwack.com/retailcannabis for additional information and to see the results of the survey.
