Surrey’s entry into the retail cannabis market is getting a thumbs-up from local business.
City council approved staff on Monday to initiate rezoning applications for 12 cannabis stores to be operated by eight businesses.
The Surrey Board of Trade endorsed the council’s decision in a Tuesday press release, saying it has advocated for an evidence-based approach to cannabis policy for a long time.
“The carefully controlled expansion of cannabis retail in Surrey represents a forward-thinking approach, aligning Surrey with other major cities in Canada that have seen positive economic impacts from similar decisions,” said the release.
This decision follows a council approval on Apr. 8 to allow a limited number of cannabis retail stores after a two-month submission period between July 19 and Sept. 19. Thirty-one submissions were received.
Stores will be required to maintain a distance of 200 metres from schools, recreation or community centres, and existing cannabis retail or production locations in Surrey.
The province estimates the cannabis industry contributes over $2 billion each year to local economies across B.C.
