By James Peters

As council approves 15th cannabis retailer, Christian advises community to move past fear

Mar 5, 2019 | 3:19 PM

KAMLOOPS — City of Kamloops council has cleared the way for a second retail cannabis store in Valleyview, and did it over the objection of a local dance studio owner.

Sandi Lewis of Kamloops Dance Academy told council she is worried about the impact of a nearby cannabis store — not only on her business prospects, but on her studio’s young students.

Lewis said her studio should be treated in the same manner as a school. The City of Kamloops zoning bylaw restricts cannabis retailers from operating within 150 metres of schools.

“This is new to us, this whole cannabis thing is new to us. I don’t wish to be the guinea pig in which we find out that a cannabis store in any respect is not positive around children,” said Lewis.

Lewis was supported by 12 letters of opposition to the license, as well as several letters expressing concern.

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The City received 23 letters in support of the application.

Michael Koehn, applying for the business license as Completely Cannabis, says he has every intention of ensuring minimal impact on the studio.

“My intention behind this store is summed up in a simple statement: to be a good neighbour,” said Koehn.

Council elected to give Koehn that chance.

Councillor Mike O’Reilly said he was reluctant to turn Koehn down when he had followed the letter of the zoning regulation.

“I fear, by turning things down when they have met their requirements, we’re moving the goalposts for investment,” said O’Reilly. “Whether that’s a cannabis store or a light industrial company or a supply company, if they’re meeting the zoning requirements, it’s not our job — or shouldn’t be — to be moving those goalposts.”

In expressing his support, Mayor Ken Christian advised the community to move past its fear of cannabis.

“We often fall into the trap of comparing cannabis to the evil reefer of the ’60s,” said Christian.

“I would suggest to you that it would be more harmful for the children at the dance academy to have a fast food outlet in that location because they could actually access a fast food outlet. They could upsize their fries and get large drinks, whereas with a cannabis store, they can’t.”

This is the 15th cannabis retailer approved for a business license since legalization last October.

Koehn’s application will now be forward to the province for final approval.