The Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) is seeking the public’s input on the potential opening of a new cannabis store in University Village.
On May 6, Burb Cannabis Corporation applied to the University Endowment Lands (UEL) to amend the UEL Land Use, Building and Community Administration Bylaw to allow for the conditional use of a nonmedical cannabis retail store at 5784 University Boulevard.
In September 2019, BC’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch awarded Burb, a cannabis lifestyle brand, two cannabis retail store licences. These licences allowed Burb to add recreational cannabis products to the shelves of both its retail stores in Port Coquitlam.
Now in 2021, Burb is seeking to open a non-medical cannabis store near UBC.
Metro Vancouver Director for Electoral Area A Jen McCutcheon said the cannabis application would first need to go through the UEL rezoning application process. If it passes, that will go to Metro Vancouver for final approval.
“As your Electoral Area A representative, I encourage residents to participate in all local land use planning processes.”
According to the Manager of UEL John Braman, the UEL Official Community Plan has the policy to consider up to one cannabis retail store, subject to appropriate approvals.
“The application is seeking a Cannabis Retail Store Licence from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, a separate process through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General,” he said.
Before any decisions regarding the rezoning application are made, UBC/UEL/UNA residents can submit comments to the MVRD. Residents’ comments will inform MVRD’s recommendations on the licensee’s application to the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
Board of Governors faculty representative Anna Kindler expressed hesitation about the application at the June People, Community and International Committee meeting. “I am very concerned about the impact of the proposed store potentially on our young student population, those who are the most vulnerable,” Kindler said.
Committee chair Kavie Toor redirected the conversation of whether the Board should have a position on the application to closed session.