News Flash Home
The original item was published from 1/29/2021 10:00:08 AM to 1/30/2022 12:00:01 AM.

News Flash

City News

Posted on: January 29, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Have Your Say on Coquitlam’s Cannabis Regulations

Cannabis Graphic - 519 x 390

COQUITLAM, B.C., Jan. 29, 2021 – Coquitlam is inviting public comment on new regulations to control how businesses can grow, process and sell cannabis in the City. 

Coquitlam is in the process of developing policies and regulations for cannabis-related matters that are under the control of local governments. This includes the approval, location and licensing procedures for businesses that produce, process and sell retail cannabis. 

A survey available at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/cannabis from Jan. 29 to Feb. 18 will seek feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders as the City considers expanding the cannabis-related business activities allowed in Coquitlam. Currently, these activities are limited to medical grow operations, and the City’s proposed regulations would expand to include the recreational cannabis industry.  

Approach Based on Research

Since cannabis was legalized by the federal government in 2018, Coquitlam has taken a thoughtful approach to regulating cannabis-related businesses. This has included extensive background research and examining leading practices that have emerged in Metro Vancouver, B.C. and Canada as the cannabis retail industry has grown across the country. The proposed approach developed from this work includes the following: 

  • Production (including growing and harvesting): Allowed outright in industrial zones, with no Council approval required for each new business.
  • Processing (including drying, curing, storing, packaging and wholesale distribution): Allowed outright in industrial and business enterprise zones, with no Council approval required for each new business.
  • Retail sales: Considered on a case-by-case basis in commercial areas through a rezoning process, with public consultation and Council approval required for each store.

As the City develops its regulatory framework, it will also consider: 

  • Buffer zones for retail sales near sensitive sites such as schools and parks, along with other limits to the location and numbers of stores;  
  • Odour management beyond the new regulations being developed by Metro Vancouver;
  • Potential contamination issues from any chemicals used in production and processing;
  • Signage requirements to limit appeal to youth; and 
  • The selection process for retail outlets.

Consulting the Community

The survey will seek comment from the public on details such as: 

  • Where cannabis production, processing and retail sales may be allowed;
  • A potential approval process for retail outlets; 
  • Possible retail store locations, and whether the City should put in place buffer zones from schools and parks and/or limits to numbers of stores; and
  • General comments or concerns about if and how cannabis is grown, processed and sold in Coquitlam.

Consultation will take place online to comply with current public health protocols. Those who are unable to participate in online engagement can contact staff directly by phone or email for alternate options.

After the public consultation period ends, all comments received will be summarized and reflected in the revised framework and potential bylaw revisions to be considered by Council later this year. The bylaw adoption process will provide another opportunity for public feedback.

Have Your Say and Stay Informed

Visit www.coquitlam.ca/cannabis for background and information about Coquitlam’s proposed cannabis regulations, and www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/cannabis to complete the survey by Feb. 18. 

Both web pages provide links to receive email updates about the Cannabis Regulatory Framework, or sign up directly at www.coquitlam.ca/notifyme.

Media contact:
Chris McBeath
Senior Planner
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3436
cmcbeath@coquitlam.ca

Additional Info...
Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City News

"We're hiring!" sign at City of Coquitlam job fair

We’re Hiring: Join Us at Coquitlam’s Recreation Job Fair

Posted on: February 28, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Doggo posing for a picture whilst on leash.

Coquitlam Dogs: Train Your Human

Posted on: January 30, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Two girls float in the pool on a noodle

Registration for Spring Recreation Programs starts January 30

Posted on: January 23, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
A yellow graphic that reads Public Service Advisory

Coquitlam Winter Weather Response

Posted on: January 17, 2024
2023_Snow_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Next Snow Event

Posted on: January 16, 2024
2023_Extreme Cold_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Winter Event

Posted on: January 11, 2024
Teddy bear getting mended

Free Repair Café Event in Coquitlam

Posted on: January 8, 2024
Patrons strolling around Lights at Lafarge.

Celebrate the Season at Jingle Bells Night

Posted on: December 13, 2023
Coquitlam Dam being built

Find Coquitlam History in Other Archives

Posted on: December 11, 2023
Public works vehicle prepped for winter weather

City Crews Prepare for Snow

Posted on: December 8, 2023
High-flowing river

Be Prepared: Heavy Rain in the Forecast

Posted on: December 4, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Update on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: December 1, 2023
CFR Maltese and Christmas lights.

Have a Safe and Fun Winter Season

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Statement on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Cyclists riding through City Centre Multi Modal Path and Intersection

Go by Bike this Fall in Coquitlam

Posted on: October 13, 2023
Child holding a blue shovel with snow

Volunteer as a Coquitlam Snow Angel

Posted on: October 10, 2023
Yellow background with exclamation mark and text that says PSA

Wind Warning in Effect

Posted on: September 25, 2023
Blue sign at park reading "Glen Park"

Help Shape the City’s Plans for Glen Park

Posted on: September 21, 2023
Three Indigenous people, two dressed in 'fancy' traditional costumes

Celebrate 2023 Culture Days in Coquitlam

Posted on: September 14, 2023
People standing in front of a sport organization's tent

Coquitlam Sports Fair Returns Aug. 19

Posted on: August 3, 2023
Canada Day -News Flash

Canada Day in Coquitlam

Posted on: June 7, 2023
City Hall Property Taxes

Coquitlam Announces New City Manager

Posted on: April 13, 2023
A woman and a man sit at a coffee table with a silver laptop, calculator and paperwork.

Avoid Late Fees on 2023 Utility Bills

Posted on: March 23, 2023