Nelson City Council had their first look at draft bylaws on recreational cannabis this week. City staff have recommended a cap of five stores by area. That means two in the downtown, one on Lakeside Drive, one on Highway 3A/Nelson Avenue and one in Railtown. Some councillors still weren’t completely sold on the idea of cap including Anna Purcell, but she says she needs more time to consider things.
Councillor Michael Daily feels in the long run the number of stores won’t be a huge concern.
Mayor Deb Kozak feels things are moving in the right direction.
The City’s survey results found 75 per cent of respondents were in favour of a cap.
City staff are also recommending a separation distance of 150 meters from schools and parks. That will have to be reduced for some locations such as IODE Park and the dog walk area.
According to survey results, most were in favour of larger separation distances of 300 to 500 meters, however, that would only allow for two or three stores.
The Bylaws will come back to council for first reading on June 11.