The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has told the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) it has no objection to the proposal for a non-medical cannabis retail store in Roberts Creek, a first for the regional district since cannabis was legalized in B.C. in 2017.
Despite concerns from some members of the community that the proposal for Infinity Chill Out Joint at 8-1057 Roberts Creek Road is too close to Roberts Creek Elementary School, SCRD board directors voted all in favour of responding with “no objection” to the province’s request for a recommendation. Next LCRB will review the SCRD’s report and decide whether or not to issue the license.
At the April 15 meeting for the planning and community development committee, senior planner Yuli Siao told the board that the application is in compliance with both the zoning bylaw and Roberts Creek Official Community Plan.
The Sunshine Coast School District No. 46 (SD46) and 13 individuals responded to the call-out for public input, with support and opposition.
Those in support said the location of the proposal among other businesses is convenient, and a legal store could eliminate the illegal market.
Reasons for opposition included the proximity to the elementary school, odour from outdoor consumption, and citing the area as a gathering place for young people who may find the location convenient. At least one comment said a health food store would be preferred.
SD46 requested the SCRD consider requiring a distance of 300 metres between the business and school grounds, similar to requirements set by the City of Vancouver. At the meeting, Gibsons director Bill Beamish noted that the Town of Gibsons requires a 150-metre distance from schools. The current location of the proposal is 67 metres from the corner of the school grounds, but not in direct view from the school.
The application states that no one under the age of 19 will be allowed in the store, and customers will require two pieces of ID, in accordance with provincial regulations.
Roberts Creek business owner and applicant Kalawna Biggs told Coast Reporter in an email that the store will be “built up like Fort Knox” to prevent break-ins, and the application outlines a variety of security measures. Biggs first opened her retail business Infinity Clothing that sells women’s clothing, wigs and shoes, on April 20, 2018. The proposed non-medical cannabis store will be located next door.
The staff report states there are five properties that are suitable for such a business under the zoning in Area D, and all of them are located in the Heart of the Creek.
“They are all within 300 m to the School District 46 property. Therefore it is impossible to find an alternative location for the proposed store within Roberts Creek,” the report states.
Siao said the comments opposing the application did not provide a compelling reason to reject the store in its proposed location.
Area D director Andreas Tize said he believes the level of public consultation carried out by SCRD staff was sufficient, and gave his support.
“I’d rather have a cannabis store closer to an elementary school than a high school, because those students are unlikely to be mistaken for 19 year olds,” Tize said.
Area E director Donna McMahon took the opportunity to research the liquor prohibition that once predicted a negative impact on youth. She pointed to another business in the proximity that holds a liquor licence.
“I will note that the Gumboot Cafe sells the demon rum within near distance to the elementary school and I haven’t noticed that this has corrupted their tender morals,” McMahon said. “So I think that we can go ahead. The store is required to comply with provincial regulations and it looks like they are prepared to do so in a responsible manner.”
