DPA opposes pot shop ban

Photo: Colin Dacre

Main Street downtown Penticton

The Downtown Penticton Association has come out opposed to a proposed ban on cannabis storefronts on Main and Front streets.

The group’s board of directors submitted a letter to city council for their discussion Tuesday on the proposed framework on retail cannabis.

“We are a pro-business organization,” the letter reads. “With the legalization of retail cannabis, the DPA Board of Directors do not agree with the restricted zones within our downtown as found in the framework presented to city council.”

Penticton city staff have suggested banning pot shops from what they consider the “highest value” retail streets in the community. Planning manager Blake Laven noted provincial regulations will prohibit clear storefronts, something they typically encourage on Main and Front Streets.

City council appeared torn on the issue, with Couns. Julius Bloomfield and Judy Sentes vocally opposed to the ban.

Coun. Campbell Watt said he struggled with the issue, stating he is pro-business, but also would not want to see a cannabis storefront open near the youth centre on the 500 block of Main Street.

Coun. Katie Robinson agreed with city staff that it would be good to start slow.

Mayor John Vassilaki recused himself because of his property holdings on Main Street.

Councillors voted to send the policy to a public hearing Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at city hall, where residents will have their last chance to provide input on the policy.

The city has so far received seven applications from proposed private retailers and one from the provincial government. Store openings are still several months away.