Two public hearings are happening at Nelson City Hall on Monday starting at 4:00pm. The first is on the City’s latest proposed changes to Laneway Housing regulations.  City Planner Alex Thumm says that includes allowing for a height increase.

The second public hearing is on the City’s proposed zoning for recreational cannabis. Based on survey results from public feedback, five stores would be allowed in certain areas of the City, for example, two is the maximum in the downtown. Thumm says generally shops also have to be 150 meters away from schools and youth facilities.

Thumm says it’s just one step in the process as the City gears up for legalization in October.

Medical cannabis dispensaries will not be in operation after legalization and Nelson’s current stores would be required to close or apply for a business license to sell recreational cannabis. They are not guaranteed a license and would have to go through the application process as the other interested business.