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Province chooses Gibsons for BC Cannabis store

Province applies for BC Cannabis location in Gibsons The provincial Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is looking to set up a government run cannabis shop in Gibsons.
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Province applies for BC Cannabis location in Gibsons

The provincial Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is looking to set up a government run cannabis shop in Gibsons.

Among the development applications listed in the planning department quarterly report presented at the July 23 committee of the whole meeting is a re-zoning request from the LDB “to allow [a] cannabis retail sales location in Sunnycrest Mall.”

The LDB already runs a liquor store at the shopping centre.

The agency doesn’t comment on pending applications, according to a statement on its website. "Once a lease has been signed, it can take up to seven months to develop the site to suit the LDB’s needs and complete the store fit out. Updates related to the opening of BC Cannabis Stores will be announced as details are finalized," the statement says.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB), which handles licensing of private retailers, is still assessing applications for permits in Gibsons.

So far, Gibsons council has only considered one licensing referral from the province, for a cannabis shop on Marine Drive – which it endorsed.

The LCRB has yet to issue a private retail licence anywhere on the Sunshine Coast.

Short-Term Rental regulations

Gibsons is taking another step toward a bylaw to regulate short-term rentals, including Airbnb, VRBO and similar operations.

The Town has been studying various options since 2016, and council voted at its July 23 meeting to give the planning department the go-ahead to start collecting input from short-term rental operators and other stakeholders on proposed bylaw amendments.

A staff report said there are currently15 businesses in Gibsons with business licences for “home occupation accommodations providers” and around 23 other short-term accommodation providers operating without a business licence.

The bylaw amendments being considered include:

- A zoning amendment that would define short-term rental accommodations, zones where they are permitted, parking requirements and conditions of use.

- A business licence amendment to provide clarity on terms and conditions for operating a short-term rental.

- An amendment to the bylaw on fines and charges that would allow the Town to levy penalties against operators who violate the regulations.

“These bylaws aim to regulate and refine the differences between STRs and B&Bs, while balancing the needs of owners and tourists, maintaining the scale and residential character of neighbourhoods, and retaining the long-term rental supply,” the report said.