Retail stores that sell cannabis are considered in Port Moody through a site-specific rezoning process. Our Cannabis Retail Use Corporate Policy (PDF) includes the land use and business licence requirements that must be met, as well as the application process for a proposed Cannabis Retail Use.

Locations approved for cannabis retail use

The following retail locations were approved as a result of two rounds of application processing.

First round, for applications received by October 15, 2019:

  • 1-101 Morrissey Road (Burb) – Council adopted Bylaw No. 3215 on February 11, 2020.
  • 2816 St. Johns Street (Kiaro) –Council adopted Bylaw No. 3216 on February 11, 2020.

Second round, for applications received by April 1, 2020:

  • 3034 St. Johns Street (Cannoe) – Council adopted Bylaw No. 3250 on January 12, 2021
  • 2343 Clarke Street (Happy Hippie Cannabis) – Council adopted Bylaw No. 3254 on January 26, 2021.

Land use and business licence requirements

Requirements for Cannabis Retail Use include:

  • a 75-metre buffer distance between retail cannabis stores and sensitive uses (defined as schools, playgrounds, and community centres);
  • the property in question must be zoned for commercial retail use; and
  • a number of business licence regulations, related to design and security, in addition to the basic Provincial requirements.

Application process

The City committed to permitting a maximum of five retail cannabis stores in Port Moody within the first 12 months following the May 2019 adoption of the applicable Zoning Bylaw amendment. Council considered rezoning applications for Cannabis Retail Use that were received by October 15, 2019 as part of the first round of application processing, and applications that were received by April 1, 2020 for the second round of application processing. Council considered the applications in batches to determine the most suitable options for the community. A public hearing was held for the public to provide input into each proposed Cannabis Retail Use location. 

Before submitting a rezoning application, prospective applicants first applied to the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. The LCRB forwarded applications that meet the provincial requirements to the City for a recommendation. Staff then notifed applicants to submit a rezoning application when the referral from LCRB was received by the City. Staff notifed the LCRB of the City’s recommendation based on the decision of Council at the conclusion of the rezoning process.

Additional information

 Public consultation (2018)

To prepare for the legalization of cannabis, the City of Port Moody asked residents and business owners/operators to share their thoughts on whether retail cannabis stores should be permitted in Port Moody and, if permitted, what land use guidelines and business licence regulations should apply to these stores.

 Federal and provincial cannabis legislation resources