Surrey council has directed city staff to initiate rezoning applications for eight businesses to set up Cannabis retail stores at 12 locations in Surrey.
The rezoning process will include public hearings and conditions of approval that include obtaining licensing through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, a corporate report that came before council Monday indicates.
By way of background, the City on April 8 set out a "framework" for approving "a limited number" of cannabis retail stores – up to two in each of Surrey's six communities – and on July 19 launched a Request for Expressions of Interest (“RFEOI”) process that closed on Sept. 19.
All told, 31 submissions were received over the two months.
Unsuccessful applications were rejected because they were incomplete or the stores would be too close to schools or community recreation centres.
The successful applications are as follows:
In Whalley/City Centre, Lightbox Enterprises Ltd. doing business as "Dutch Love Cannabis" at #201-13650 102 Ave. and Local Surrey Holdings Co. "Local Cannabis" at 10449 King George Boulevard.
In Newton, 1268236 BC Ltd. dba "Imagine Cannabis" at #502-7380 KGB and 1181168 BC Ltd. dba Surrey Cannabis Connection" at 12499 88 Ave.
In South Surrey, Burb Canabid Corp. "Burb Cannabis" at #108-15775 Croydon Drive and Lightbox Enterprises Ltd. dba "Dutch Love Cannabis" at #125-16030 24 Ave.
In Fleetwood, 1486965 BC Ltd. dba "Inspired Cannabis" at #103-9014 152 St. and 1181168 BC Ltd. dba "Inspired Cannabis" at 15148 Fraser Highway.
In Cloverdale, Queenborough Cannabis Co. Ltd. "Queensborough Cannabis" at 19581 Fraser Hwy., and L&M Business Consulting Ltd. "UEM Cannabis" at #100 5828-176 St.
In Guildford, 1486965 BC Ltd. dba "Inspired Cannabis" at 10383 150 St., and 1268236 BC Ltd. dba "Imagine Cannabis" at #5-10330 152 St.
"In summary, the selection committee has identified eight reputable companies as the successful applicants for 12 retail locations," Ron Gill (Surrey's acting general manager of planning and development and Joey Brar (general manager, corporate services), stated in their corporate report to council.
Coun. Linda Annis said instead of setting an allowed number of stores, "We should let the market decide how many stores we have. Ultimately, if the economics don't work for a location they will go out of business, so I think rather than in future deciding on just a number of locations we should let the market dictate."
Meantime, the Surrey Board of Trade supports the City's decision to move ahead with the 12 stores.
"We look forward to working with the cannabis retail sector and stakeholders to ensure that this industry grows responsibly and in a way that benefits Surrey's residents and businesses alike," said Jasroop Gosal, a spokesman for the board. "This decision is a significant milestone in building a balanced local economy that can meet the diverse needs of our community."
