Across Canada, cannabis legalization comes into effect today. Outlined below is some important information you should be aware of.
City of White Rock’s Cannabis Policy
Cannabis Retail Store
The City will continue the existing prohibition on the retail sale of cannabis, except for considering a single pilot store in the Town Centre. Should there be an interest in opening a cannabis retail store, the company or individual will need to apply for a Temporary Use Permit, which will be considered by White Rock City Council.
At the July 9, 2018 Land Use and Planning Committee meeting, White Rock City Council directed City staff to amend the Zoning Bylaw, 2012, No. 2000, to include Temporary Use Permit provisions to regulate cannabis retails sales, according to ‘Option 2’ in the corporate report which involves a ‘Single Store Pilot (Town Centre Only)’ approach.
Following the local government election on October 20, 2018, the new White Rock City Council will be reviewing the Temporary Use Permit application requirements and procedures in early 2019. Until then, any potential business interested in opening up a cannabis retail store will not have their application accepted for review. Any license application to the Province will not receive a recommendation from the City until the Temporary Use Permit application process is endorsed by Council.
Smoking/Vaping of Recreational Cannabis in Public
The consumption of cannabis in public is generally restricted to the same places where tobacco is permitted, and smoking/vaping cannabis or tobacco is prohibited within 7.5 metres distance from a workplace or common area (White Rock Public Health Smoking Bylaw). Smoking or vaping cannabis in public areas, such as the Promenade, and areas near children are also prohibited. Cannabis consumption in a vehicle is prohibited as well.
The City encourages members of the community to familiarize themselves with the new cannabis related legislation, policies, and regulations. For your convenience here are some helpful links to federal and provincial resources:
Federal Resources
Provincial Resources
To help the public navigate the new legislation, the City has published a quick facts info-graphic which provides details for cannabis legalization that can be found online at whiterockcity.ca/CannabisPolicy and further resources are noted here:
City of White Rock Council decisions and discussions can be found here:
