Council, for the second time this year, has turned down an application for a cannabis store at 1289 Third Avenue. Councillors Monday said they ‘struggled’ with the re-application from Kamani Holdings, which was evident by the nearly two-hour discussion council had on the matter.
Earlier this year council rejected the application for a temporary use permit for the location, primarily because of its proximity to Intersect Youth and Family Services.
Nassar Kamani, representing the company, told council Monday that his information from the province was that he could re-apply to the city for a temporary six-month permit, rather than the usually three-year permit, not actually open the business, and try to find another location in that six-month period.
If he simply abandoned the current application and looked for another location, he would have to start all over with the provincial permitting process, which, he said, could take six to eight months and about $10,000.
While councillors were sympathetic to Kamani and praised him for his due diligence in applying, they noted the issue before them was one of land use.
“I believe Mr. Kamani has done everything he’s can to work with the situation he’s in,” said Coun. Kyle Sampson. “It’s a tough one. It sucks. I struggle with the rules and we’re looking at land use. The land will not be used for what is on the table. I can’t support this motion.”
Coun. Frank Everitt pointed out that the regulations covering cannabis should be the same as those covering liquor outlets where licensees are allowed to have a permit, but not operate and are also allowed to move locations.
The application was rejected for a second time.