The City of Mission has received its eighth application for a new cannabis shop in less than three years, sparking a conversation between councillors as to how many are too many.
Five shops have been approved, and four are in operation, but the newest application has rehashed an old debate: should the city put a cap on the number of stores, or let the market decide?
Mayor Paul Horn was firmly in the market camp. He said a hard cap on the number of outlets does not encourage good business practices like service and community relations, nor does it address actual community demand.
“The free enterprise system isn’t perfect, but in this type of circumstance, it addresses the issue amply,” Horn said. “I do not want to be the arbiter as an elected person, of what the market will bear, because clearly I’d be wrong.
“Councillor Gill’s in the pizza business. I’m surprised how many pizza businesses can be supported in this community.”
All councillors agreed the application before them deserves to go through the approval process without obstruction, and voted unanimously to send it forward for a public-input session.
The high number of applications is the result of “leaving the door open,” Coun. Danny Plecas said.
He and Coun. Cal Crawford were in agreement on putting a cap on the number of stores (Crawford suggested six), which would put an end to new applications should the store receive final approval.
Crawford said he had nothing against cannabis use, but the flood of aspiring pot store owners was due to a “fad,” and if there was no limit, the revenue of existing stores could be hurt.
He added he doesn’t want Mission to become the cannabis capital of the Lower Mainland. “I don’t foresee that as a positive move for our community,” Crawford said.
Coun. Jag Gill said it’s a topic that really needs community input, but stressed someone paying to submit applications should not be affected.
The application is for a This is Cannabis store, which had other stores operating in Chilliwack and Abbotsford.
It would be located at 32555 London Avenue, unit 312, at The Junction shopping centre.
No issues were taken with the application in the staff report and recommendation. It’s commercially zoned land, and no other cannabis stores or schools would be in any buffer zone, and there is adequate parking.
The applicant has promised to donate $2,500 annually to Zajac Ranch, a summer camp for kids with medical conditions, and will provide volunteer opportunities there.
They’ve stated they want to support the community they do business in through initiatives in youth education, youth services and community development.
A mail out will be sent to all neighbouring businesses within 152 metres of the store’s location.