Prospective cannabis retailers take note: Whistler's long-awaited application process for pot shops in the resort is now open.
Applicants have until March 13 at 4 p.m. to apply at municipal hall or online at whistler.ca/cannabisretail.
The intake period comes a month after Whistler’s mayor and council approved zoning amendment bylaws to allow up to five cannabis shops to operate in the resort.
The bylaws allow cannabis shops in five of Whistler’s commercial areas: Nesters Plaza, Village North, Village Centre, Creekside and Function Junction. The notable exception is the Rainbow neighbourhood, due to its proximity to Whistler Secondary School, as municipality's cannabis policy bans stores within 300 metres of schools and the Meadow Park Sports Centre. The policy also requires cannabis shops in the village to be located off the Village Stroll.
Under the new bylaw, cannabis retailers hoping to set up shop in the municipality will have to apply for a temporary use permit (TUP). Operators also require a provincial Cannabis Retail Store Licence and a $190 annual business licence from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW).
On top of the TUPs, the RMOW expects applicants to submit a community impact statement that addresses the retail policy's guiding principles and meets various evaluation criteria.
-with files from Robert Wisla
