Cannabis Retail

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:

• Zoning Bylaw and Parking Bylaw No. 303 to designate Temporary Use Permit areas where the RMOW will consider allowing cannabis retail as a temporary use,
• Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw No. 2253 to introduce business licence fee category and operational requirements, and
• Land Use Procedure and Fees Bylaw No. 2019 for the Temporary Use Permit application fee, notification, and delegation procedures of TUPs.

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.

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.

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.

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.