Pot shop approvals likely

Photo: Google Maps

Vernon council is expected to approve two cannabis applications previously caught in the overlap of moratoriums that initially froze out the applicants.

Kim Flick, the director of community infrastructure and development, recommends in her report to council to approve the two bids.

Pot shop exception likely

The exceptions are to be made only for the applicants that had applications in the system before the moratoriums took effect, Flick noted in her report.

The Arcannabis Store is slated to go into 3307 32 Ave., while the Vernon Cannabis Store that was initially going to go into 3110 29 Ave. is now to be located outside of the Business Improvement Area in a building at 5110 Anderson Way.

The owner of Family First Optometry formally opposes that location, suggesting the presence of a cannabis retailer would curtail her business.

"I object to this application on the grounds that Family First Optometry caters to families with children and teens. We believe that the presence of a cannabis retailer in this small professional building will make it more difficult to attract new patients and will be detrimental to retaining our existing families," said Cynthia Willis in her letter to council.

"My practice is entirely local and independent with no affiliation to a larger corporate entity. I started the clinic four years ago and hold a long-term lease in the building," Willis noted.