Brick-and-mortar retail recreational cannabis stores are nothing new in Metro Vancouver. Every municipality in BC can choose if recreational cannabis retail is allowed, where it can be operated, and the number of stores. In the South of Fraser subregion, Delta, the Township of Langley, and White Rock have retail recreational cannabis stores. The City of Surrey recently enabled a policy framework to permit retail cannabis stores.
Currently, Langley City does not permit retail recreational cannabis stores. However, Council is exploring a policy that, if approved, would allow Council to consider allowing such stores in our community.
As one of the last municipalities in Metro Vancouver to consider allowing retail recreational cannabis stores, staff have developed a draft policy based on best practices and lessons learned from other municipalities that now have retail recreational cannabis stores.
Langley City staff propose that recreational retail cannabis stores be allowed in our commercial areas subject to the following restrictions:
- Located at least 200 metres away from a school
- Located at least 100 metres away from childcare centres (on the same street)
- Located at least 20 metres from a park, plaza, playground, recreation or community centre
- Located at least 1 kilometre from another recreational retail cannabis store
The following map shows where retail recreational cannabis stores could be allowed. If approved by Council, this policy would allow a maximum of three stores in our community.
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| Preliminary Land Use & Locational Criteria Map. Select the map to enlarge. |
To prevent a mad dash for retail recreational cannabis store applications, the City would hold a time-limited window where perspective retailers could apply to the City. City staff would consider up to three applications for Council to consider based on the following:
- Compliance with our retail recreational cannabis store policy
- Retailer experience
- Parking and access plan
- Visibility, lighting, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental
- Design, signage, and storefront façade
On July 22, Langley City Council approved allowing City staff to seek public feedback on this proposed policy this fall.
You can read the entire draft policy on Langley City's website.
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