Cannabis Retail

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Consultation has concluded

On December 7, 2021, Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Council directed staff to proceed with the development of a framework to regulate the sale of retail cannabis in Whistler.

The provincial Cannabis Control and Licensing Act authorizes local governments to: 

  • allow or prohibit cannabis retail as a land use;
  • establish the location of cannabis retail locations;
  • establish business licence application fees and operational requirements through the business regulation power. 

While many communities have created regulatory frameworks to approve and licence cannabis retail, it has been prohibited as a use in all zones by the RMOW zoning bylaw.

As part of the creation of cannabis retail regulations in Whistler, engagement with the community and with key stakeholders including the cannabis industry is important to help identify community goals and priorities for implementation.

Thank you for providing feedback. The consultation period has now closed. An engagement summary was shared when staff present the Cannabis Retail Policy to Council for adoption on August 2. Project updates will be posted on whistler.ca/cannabisretail

On December 7, 2021, Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Council directed staff to proceed with the development of a framework to regulate the sale of retail cannabis in Whistler.

The provincial Cannabis Control and Licensing Act authorizes local governments to: 

  • allow or prohibit cannabis retail as a land use;
  • establish the location of cannabis retail locations;
  • establish business licence application fees and operational requirements through the business regulation power. 

While many communities have created regulatory frameworks to approve and licence cannabis retail, it has been prohibited as a use in all zones by the RMOW zoning bylaw.

As part of the creation of cannabis retail regulations in Whistler, engagement with the community and with key stakeholders including the cannabis industry is important to help identify community goals and priorities for implementation.

Thank you for providing feedback. The consultation period has now closed. An engagement summary was shared when staff present the Cannabis Retail Policy to Council for adoption on August 2. Project updates will be posted on whistler.ca/cannabisretail

Consultation has concluded
  • Proposed Approach

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    Staff have proposed to authorize cannabis retail in Whistler through a Temporary Use Permit (TUP). This approach balances municipal control over the number and location of retail stores with efficiency and certainty of approval.

    Cannabis retail regulations will establish location and operational requirements for stores, including consideration of minimum distancing from sensitive land uses and between establishments and where they may be located to limit proliferation and to avoid clustering. 

    Temporary Use Permits

    The Temporary Use Permit approach provides the municipality with a high level of control over the number of retail stores and location of cannabis retail in our community with efficiency and procedural clarity. A Temporary Use Permit approval can be processed quicker than a site-specific rezoning, and the 3-year renewable term on the permit allows the RMOW to maintain ongoing oversight of the land use.

    Policy Objectives

    The recommended approach reflects an intentionally cautious approach consistent with the community’s values and policies expressed in the Official Community Plan outlined in the following policy objectives:

    • Supports a thriving and diverse economy
    • Reinforces Whistler's mountain community character
    • Promotes community and social well-being
    • Establishes a transparent and efficient process
    • Seeks reconciliation with the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and L̓il̓wat7úl people

    The regulatory framework will require amendments to the following bylaws:

    The policy framework will ensure that cannabis retail is:

    • integrated within existing land use patterns;
    • consistent with the community priorities; and
    • reflects lessons learned by other municipalities since federal legalization.
  • Proposed Locations

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    Recognizing Whistler’s limited land supply, growth management policies, and ongoing desire for a diverse and vibrant commercial sector, staff propose a limit of five cannabis retail stores distributed through the community.

    Under this scenario, Temporary Use Permit areas would allow one retail cannabis location in each of Function Junction and Creekside, and two locations in Whistler Village. the Nesters Plaza could be considered for a fifth location. This distribution provides access to retail cannabis for residents and visitors, while limiting proliferation. Distancing requirements could be established to avoid clustering of the Village locations.

    Click on the Mark the Map tab to provide your input on the Temporary Use Permit Areas.

  • Store Design

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    Cannabis retail stores will be subject to applicable Development Permit Area guidelines. The Whistler Village, Whistler Creek and Commercial/Industrial Development Permit Area guidelines prescribe design objectives such as exterior building design, materiality, colour, and signage.

    In addition to the Temporary Use Permit, municipal business licence, and development permit, building permits and sign permits may also be required as part of the application process.

    The provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) approval process includes additional design requirements.

    Click on the Take a Survey tab to provide your input about storefront design.

  • Proposed Application Process

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    Once the Cannabis Retail regulatory framework and the related bylaw amendments have been adopted, the RMOW will be able to accept cannabis retail applications. The application process will be finalized at this time.

    Under the proposed regulatory system, cannabis retail Temporary Use Permit applications will be evaluated against the community objectives and application requirements, and recommendations will be made to Council for consideration of application approval.

    Temporary Use Permit approval will conditional until confirmation of provincial approval, at which point the RMOW would be able to finalize approval and issue a business licence.