City reduces fees and charges for new cannabis retailers

Jan 10, 2022 | 4:26 PM

Cannabis retailers will be paying less to set up shop in Vernon.

A memorandum titled ‘Retail Cannabis Application & Annual Business Licence Fee Amendments’ was presented to Vernon city council today, Jan. 10.

The document stated that the resources needed to process a retail cannabis store application was similar to that needed for a development variance permit or a zoning amendment application, and that fees should be reduced to align with those processes.

It was also noted that annual licensing fees should be reduced to align with the same rate applied to a retail liquor store.

The memorandum recommended reducing the retail cannabis application fee by 50 per cent from $5,000 to $2,500.

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It also recommended reducing the annual licensing fees so that they have rates based on square-metres of retail space, which could range from $115 to $800 annually. The fee was previously $2,000.

Councillor Kari Gares asked administration during Monday’s meeting if those who had already paid their fees for 2022 would be reimbursed the difference, to which the answer was yes.

Council voted unanimously to support the changes.

Following the decision, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce released a statement applauding the decisions.

“We thank the City of Vernon for recognizing the need for equity among all retail businesses no matter the product they sell, and this amended policy demonstrates that private sector investment is welcome in Vernon. Excessive fees only hurt the entrepreneurial spirit and slow economic recovery,” said Robin Cardew, Greater Vernon Chamber president, in the written statement.

The chamber added that it had advocated for reduced business license fees for cannabis retailers last spring, and it was great to see that advocacy work lead to direct benefits for local businesses.

by Liam Verster

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