Update: City staff report recommends denying proposed Victoria Road cannabis shop

The City of Revelstoke development services department is recommending against allowing a proposed new cannabis retail shop at 1605 Victoria Road in the strip mall plaza where The Nomad, Zalas Restaurant and Mountain Goodness Natural Foods are located.

The issue, according to a staff report, is a 100-metre buffer zone required between cannabis retailers and a site that contains a public park, youth centre, school, or municipally-owned or operated facilities owned by the city that cater to youth.

Canadian Mountain Cannabis Ltd. is proposing a retail location next to Revelstoke Escape Rooms at 1605 Victoria Road. Image: City of Revelstoke

The nearby Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre is located 44 metres away from the proposed Canadian Mountain Cannabis Ltd. shop, the report notes, and the arts centre runs youth programming.

The proponents have applied for a variance permit to allow them to proceed building a new unit at the north end of the complex. They have proposed mitigation steps including a fence between their property and the arts centre. However, the staff report recommends denying the variance permit and also sending a letter to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) recommending it deny a licence.

Currently, the city has sent notifications to neighbours asking for input. The deadline to respond is Jan. 26.

Council will consider the staff report and recommendations at their Jan. 26 meeting.

Jan. 27 update: Council rejects proposed location

At its Jan. 26 meeting, council supported the staff recommendations and rejected the application. Coun. Jackie Rhind was the sole supporter of the application.