Penticton unveils retail cannabis framework

PENTICTON – Penticton city staff have completed a framework for the sale of retail cannabis and are making it available for resident feedback at a community engagement forum later this month.

City planning manager Blake Laven says a citywide survey provided staff with great direction for development of the framework.

“After reviewing our proposed approach with the business community and other stakeholders and with recent information about the provincial licensing process, we have made some refinements and are now ready to more formally share the recommended approach with residents,” Laven says in a City of Penticton media release.

Some of the key features of the framework include allowing retail cannabis stores downtown but not in the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Main Street or on Front Street. Pot shops will also be permitted in commercial areas.

Proposals for cannabis stores must be 300 metres from schools and other retail cannabis locations in the downtown area. In other parts of the city the distance restriction is lengthened to 750 m. 

The city's framework also includes very specific storefront requirements covering aesthetics and security.

Regulations also outline where cannabis can be consumed publicly in the city, which will be restricted to private property only.

Penticton also plans to only consider applications from prospective retailers who have been referred to the city through the provincial licensing process.

More information on the proposed cannabis framework can be found here.

The framework will be discussed at an open house at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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