North Cowichan has rejected a proposed cannabis outlet for the Chemainus Village Square Shopping Centre.
Chris Clay, owner of Warmland Cannabis, was hoping to create what would be his fourth location in the Cowichan Valley. The store would have occupied space that has been vacant since the shopping centre opened ten years ago.
The RCMP and the Cowichan Valley School District both opposed the zoning amendment that would have allowed Clay to set up shop. The School District automatically opposes any cannabis outlet that is within 300 metres of a school.
Coun. Chris Istace, a Chemainus business owner, noted that previous attempts to open a cannabis shop in the shopping centre have been “controversial and problematic” and attracted the attention of police and were shut down.
“I agree with the RCMP and the School District that this is not the right place for another cannabis shop,” Istace said in voting against the zoning amendment.
“I’m all for jobs (creation) but for me this is just about the location.”
Violet Wild Cannabis Co. has been operating at 9750 Chemainus Road since 2021.
Istace was joined in opposing the amendment by Coun. Mike Caljouw and Mayor Rob Douglas.
Three councillors, Tek Manhas, Becky Hogg and Bruce Findlay were in favour of the amendment.
“There is already a liquor store and brewery there,” Findlay noted. “I’m absolutely in favour of creating jobs and adding five or six employees.”
Coun. Christoper Justice was not present for the council meeting. The 3-3 tie vote meant the motion to amend the zoning failed.
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