Mayor and Council City of Victoria No.1 Centennial Square Victoria, BC V8W 1P6
April 11, 2017
Re: Rezoning Application No. 00530 for 546 Yates Street
Dear Mayor Helps and Council,
The DRA recognizes the City of Victoria’s attempts to regulate medical cannabis retail businesses for the stated purpose of providing for those with medical need. However, the DRA has strong concerns regarding the recently enacted Storefront Cannabis Retailer Bylaw and the City of Victoria’s ability to manage the consequences of legitimizing a retail activity that is not currently legal or regulated under provincial or federal legislation. As such, the DRA LUC does not support the Rezoning Application No. 00530 for 546 Yates Street.
The Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) is federal legislation which regulates the medicinal use of cannabis and provides for individuals who have been authorized by a health care practitioner to use cannabis for medical purposes, but does not authorize storefronts (i.e., dispensaries) to sell cannabis or marijuana for medical or any other (e.g. recreational) purposes.
Additionally, the DRA strongly recommends that the City prioritise the processing of rezoning and business licence applications for legal uses and businesses over the processing of any kind of application for this illegal and illegitimate activity.
Sincerely,
Ian Sutherland, Chair Land Use Committee, Downtown Residents Association
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