Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
(ID 60515068 © Atomazul | Dreamstime.com)
By Liam Verster
Vernon council

Cannabis store licensing changes to be reviewed in the new year

Dec 16, 2021 | 1:45 PM

Vernon council has pushed back the review date for potential bylaw changes that would affect retail cannabis stores in the city.

Administration had brought forward a report outlining changes to bylaws that included establishing a ‘buffer zone’ around any existing retail cannabis store, and amending application and licensing fees associated with the businesses.

The ‘buffer zone’ would prohibit any new retail cannabis stores from opening within 500 metres of an existing cannabis store.

The current licensing fees include a $5,000 application charge and a $2,000 licensing fee. The report suggests reducing application and licensing fees associated with cannabis retailers, making it align with a ‘user pay’ model, and aligning it with retail liquor store rates for the annual increases.

The report also recommended changes to the Delegation of Authority Bylaw to include council’s authority regarding cannabis applications, and amending the Business License Bylaw to include a lapse provision for inactive applicants.

Canada Day Fire
Residents, fire crews knocked down Canada Day Rail Trail fire
4h ago
Mayoral Campaign
Kari Gares running for Mayor of Vernon with focus on innovation, infrastructure and future generations
7h ago
Youth Mental Health Supports
Swimmer to traverse Okanagan Lake in support of Foundry projects
Jun 30, 2026

The matter was discussed during the Dec. 13 regular council meeting, where councillor Kari Gares suggested removing the licensing fees and dealing with that in a separate motion.

Administration told council the matters could be split and come back for readings at later dates.

The fees and charges bylaw amendment will be brought forward for readings and discussion on Jan. 10, while the other three amended bylaws would be brought forward in a report for further discussion on Jan. 24.

Council voted unanimously in favour of having the matters separated and dealt with at the future meetings.

by Liam Verster
View Comments

Other Matters

Grass Fire
Small grass fire self-extinguished south of Vernon
Local firefighters also responded to a small grass fire that required little action Thursday.Vernon Fire Rescue Services were called out for reports of a fire off Commonage Road shortly before 1 p.m. July 2.The fire had largely self-extinguished by the time fire crews arrived, and the responding firefighters extinguish...
2h ago
Read More
E-coli Counts Back to Normal
Swim Advisory lifted for Tugboat Bay
People can once again take a dip at Tugboat Bay.The swim advisory issued for Rotary Beach at Waterfront Park was lifted Thursday after the City of Kelowna and Interior Health tested the water and found the quality requirements had been met.The advisory was issued after a higher than acceptable E-coli count was recorded...
2h ago
Read More
Canada Day Fire
Residents, fire crews knocked down Canada Day Rail Trail fire
Local firefighters and members of the public surged into action after a grass fire sparked near the Rail Trail Canada Day.Coldstream and Lavington Fire Departments were called out to the trail around 2 p.m. Wednesday after receiving reports of a fast moving grass and brush fire.Crews arrived at the scene of the fire, w...
4h ago
Read More
Preventative Care
BC SPCA vaccine clinic helps protect dogs amid parvovirus concerns
The BC SPCA says a recent pop up vaccination clinic in the South Okanagan helped protect more than 30 vulnerable dogs amid ongoing concerns about canine parvovirus in the region.The clinic, held June 26 at the BC SPCA's Penticton Veterinary Hospital, provided free preventative care for pet owners, with 31 dogs and pupp...
6h ago
Read More
Canada Day Fire
Grass fire in West Kelowna quickly contained
Fire crews in West Kelowna had a busy Canada Day.West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) were called out to a report of a grass fire in the 2000 block of Bartley Road around 4 p.m. Wednesday.Firefighters arrived on the scene and found an approximately 100 by 100 foot grass fire that was being actioned by a local construction c...
7h ago
Read More
Mayoral Campaign
Kari Gares running for Mayor of Vernon with focus on innovation, infrastructure and future generations
A City Councillor will be taking a run at the mayor's seat in Vernon's upcoming municipal election.Kari Gares, running for Mayor of Vernon, said in a release that the city's future success depends on creating a community where people can build careers, raise families, and build up the community for generations to come....
7h ago
Read More
Collaborative Work
Salvation Army appoints new Community Engagement Coordinator
The local non-profit that supports people in need has a new person helping advance their efforts.Teresa Durning has been appointed as the Salvation Army Vernon's new Community Engagement Coordinator."The Salvation Army has earned the trust and respect of our community through its unwavering commitment to helping p...
12h ago
Read More
Critic Roles
Okanagan MLAs named to the Conservative Party of B.C. Shadow Cabinet
The Conservative Party of B.C. has released its Shadow Cabinet, featuring the names of some local representatives.The party said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna Mission, would serve as the Critic for Economic Development, while Kristina Loewen, MLA for Kelowna Centre, was tapped as the new Critic for Prosperity and Social D...
Jun 30, 2026
Read More
Youth Mental Health Supports
Swimmer to traverse Okanagan Lake in support of Foundry projects
An open water swimmer will try to tackle Okanagan Lake in support of local mental health programs.From July 10 to 12, Jessie Harewicz will attempt to swim the 106 kilometres of Okanagan Lake from Vernon to Penticton as a fundraiser in support of Foundry projects in Vernon, Kelowna and Summerland.The attempt will see Ha...
Jun 30, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Canada Day Fire
Residents, fire crews knocked down Canada Day Rail Trail fire
4h ago
Mayoral Campaign
Kari Gares running for Mayor of Vernon with focus on innovation, infrastructure and future generations
7h ago
Youth Mental Health Supports
Swimmer to traverse Okanagan Lake in support of Foundry projects
Jun 30, 2026
Weather alerts
Thunderstorm Watch issued for the Okanagan
Jun 30, 2026
Fatal Collision
One youth killed, another injured in crash near Lumby
Jun 29, 2026