Yes they cannabis: Surrey to allow private pot businesses to set up shop

Cannabis retailers can now apply for business licences to operate in the city of Surrey.

Council passed a motion on Monday, approving a Policy Framework and Application Process. The policy allows for up to two stores per community in Surrey, for a total of 12 in the city.

Councillor Mandeep Nagra says council will seek public consultation before approving the best two applications for each neighbourhood.

The locations of these stores will be restricted.

“The City will have a 60 day application window to receive applications in one or more community areas at a time. A Request for Expressions of Interest (‘RFEOI’) will be used to solicit applications which staff will review and evaluate based on established criteria,” the motion reads.

“Complete applications will be pre-screened to ensure that they meet basic requirements around the OCP designation, current zoning, and separation requirements, as well as having valid ownership or a lease agreement for the proposed location with a letter of permission from the owner/strata. Applicants will also be required to show proof of an application for a license from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (‘LCRB’).”

Despite Surrey being on track to be the largest city in B.C., it’s one of the few municipalities in the Lower Mainland that doesn’t sell recreational pot. This cannabis store in Delta sees lots of foot traffic from Surrey and through its deliveries.

Calvin Basran, owner of Queens Cannabis Co., says he thinks the move is going to be beneficial for the city.

“They’re going to be creating jobs, there’s going to be taxes coming into the province and I think it’s a long time coming,” Basran said.

Anita Huberman, president and CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, praises the move and hopes local retailers are considered just as much as bigger chain corporations.

“The cannabis industry really is part of our healthcare ecosystem,” Huberman said.

“We want to make sure that cannabis use in the black market is eliminated. And really (put) in a structured environment, so the cannabis industry can thrive.”

Locations for businesses must also be at least 200 metres away from schools, community and rec centres, as well as existing cannabis retail or production locations in Surrey. Nagra hopes places of worship will also be added to that list.

“We see so much youth going to these places whether its Sikh gurdwaras, Hindu mandirs, mosques, churches,” the councillor said.

The vote comes after the city called for public feedback in January on its proposed Retail Cannabis Framework.

City staff say applications for business licences will begin to be accepted in the coming months