Courtenay council is allowing Bowser Cannabis to open a store at Courtenay Mall at Sixth and Cliffe. This is the fourth cannabis retailer permitted to operate in the city.
“I want to ensure our citizens that we’re not just going through a rubber-stamp process, because I don’t believe we’ve turned one down yet,” Coun. Doug Hillian said Monday.
At an April 15 public hearing, he notes Bowser proponent Marie Landry spoke about her role as a business person, her desire to be a good neighbour, and her awareness of issues around cannabis retail.
“We are a straightforward business,” Landry said at the hearing. “It is my intention to be a responsible retailer.”
Coun. Manno Theos noted a constituent’s concern about marijuana smoking in parks. Provincial legislation prohibits smoking anywhere that children congregate, staff said.
•Council approved a motion from David Frisch for a staff report on options and implications of changing the City’s garbage pickup to a biweekly schedule, and recycling to weekly.
CAO David Allen notes potential challenges such as re-negotiating the next curbside collection contract. He also noted the CVRD’s interest in moving forward with organics collection and developing a processing facility.
“I think it’s an opportunity for staff to bring forward some of the current initiatives that we’re working on,” Allen said.
•Council approved a second Frisch motion to invite Thom Armstrong, president of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, to meet with staff and council in June to discuss the co-operative housing model.