Cochranites could see cannabis retailers open their doors in time for the Christmas season. Riley Welden, senior planner for the town, and planner Adam Nordquist have confirmed that they are now vetting cannabis retailer applications, having received applications on a first-come, first-serve basis on Oct. 1. “We have received six applications and they are all still under review,” said Nordquist, adding that the official review process has begun and that the planning department’s development permit review process should take around 30 days. The 21-day appeal period will then begin. The applicants will also have to apply for a building permit and undertake tenant improvements, as per Land Use Bylaw requirements. At the same time, applicants will also need to have their Alberta Gaming, Liquor, Cannabis (AGLC) licences in place before they can be open for business. Once all these measures are in place, successful applicants will be open for business. It’s looking like there will be three to four stores in town, based on the six applications at hand, largely due to the 150-metre setbacks from sensitive spaces (health clinics, areas frequented by children) and in between like businesses (to avoid clusters). “We are pleased with the process. On Oct. 1 we had a line-up – people were very prepared, very professional and everything went really smooth,” said Welden. “All our applicants have been very professional and easy to work with,” added Nordquist. The applications for cannabis retail shops are at the following locations, all located in Historic Downtown or the Quarry: #25, 31 Bow Street Common; 315 1st Street East; 305 1st Street West; #5, 122 4th Ave; #3, 205 3rd Ave; and #111, 2nd Ave West. Learn more at cochrane.ca.
