Two more prospective operators of cannabis shops in Port Moody will get a chance to make their case to council and then a public hearing.
But four other applicants for the zoning bylaw amendments that would allow them to open shops in the city were rejected by council at its virtual meeting Tuesday and will have to wait at least six months to try again should a third round of considerations be implemented.
Cannoe, which was formally known as Westcanna, and Happy Hippie, will be able to move forward on their applications.
Several councillors said they were impressed by the polished presentation of Cannoe’s bid for its shop at 3034 St. Johns that includes a major makeover of the former Yamaha motorcycle dealership. The company’s chief financial officer, Chris Deutsch, said $150,000 has already been spent to get the site ready for its new life as an upscale cannabis retail store that would also be home to its administrative offices.
Happy Hippie owner Rylie Abelman, who also operates the St. James Well pub in NewPort Village, won over councillors with his pitch for a small shop on Clarke Street even though he has yet to receive his fit and proper assessment from the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
Abelman said that approval is in its “final stages,” adding “it’s not a matter of if, but more when.”
Coun. Meghan Lahti praised Abelman’s longstanding role as a supporter of several community organizations and events in Port Moody while Coun. Hunter Madsen said he appreciated getting a locally-owned shop that’s not on St. Johns Street where Kiaro recently opened the city’s first cannabis shop and could eventually be joined by Cannoe.
“I don’t see ‘Cannabis Row’ as the brand where the city needs to go,” he said.
Among the applications rejected was one by Stellava Ventures Inc. that failed for a second time to sway councillors to massage the city’s prescribed 75-metre buffer zone around sensitive uses like schools, playgrounds and community centres. Its proposed Purp City shop at 2506 St. Johns is located 61 metres from the Port Moody Arts Centre. Last December its application had been put on hold by council over the same issue.
Also left at the altar were City Cannabis, Herb Co. Cannabis, and The Astrology Bud Store.
The latter, to be located at the old Brew Street Craft Kitchen on St. Johns, had been recommended by staff for acceptance as its operator, Berezan Hospitality Group of Langley, has received its fit and proper assessment, along with meeting all the other city requirements.
If Cannoe and Happy Hippie are ultimately approved, that would double the number of cannabis shops operating in Port Moody to four. Burb is getting ready to open its outlet in Suter Brook Village.
And while some councillors, who had previously agreed to consider up to five shops opening in the first year, said that may be too many for a small city, Coun. Zoe Royer said more shops will help destigmatize the use of cannabis, especially as a wellness product.
“I do see this as a pharmacy alternative,” she said.
