The City of 琉璃神社 will now look at pot retailers鈥� applications on a first-come-first-served basis following a decision made at the regular council meeting on Monday, and council learned no cap is being considered at this time.

The first 35 applicants were received in a group last fall and evaluations were completed by city staff with third-party oversight. But now the applications will follow normal rezoning procedures, city planner Dean Strachan said.

READ MORE: Work not close to done for West 琉璃神社 pot shop application

鈥淭here is no proposal for a cap at this time,鈥� Strachan said. 鈥淲e are waiting to see how many interested parties we have.鈥�

鈥淭here hasn鈥檛 been a significant number of interested parties,鈥� he added.

If that number does become 鈥渟ignificant,鈥� Strachan said staff will continue to monitor and update policy recommendations if any issues arise.

Interested parties whose applications failed in the first batch have the opportunity to re-apply with an improved proposal. Each proposal will be brought before council for further consideration.

READ MORE: West 琉璃神社 approves 5 cannabis store applications

Of the original 35 pot-shop applicants, 15 鈥� four of which moved forward by lottery 鈥� were accepted. Seven retailers鈥� proposals have since been approved by council and await provincial licensing from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

The city requires pot retailers to be a minimum of 500 metres from each other and 150 metres away from select parks and schools. Applicants must also pay a $1,000 non-refundable application fee and a $9,495 rezoning fee if the proposal is accepted.

Caitlin.clow@kelownacapnews.com
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