Photo Karen Graham. There is a proposal to convert this art gallery into a retail cannabis outlet currently under consideration by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
A few Cavan residents were surprised to learn last week that an application had been made for the approval of a retail cannabis store to operate at the Galerie Q location at 1521 County Rd. 10. Documents posted on the building’s exterior indicate that the deadline for public comments about the application expired in June. Approvals are granted by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. A visit to the website on the posting (www.iagco.agoco.ca) revealed that the applicant was required to post the notice in a visible position for fifteen calendar days to communicate its intention with the immediate area. Four of these notices remain visible on the building’s exterior, indicating compliance with this requirement.
A search for the specific application which would allow the submission of objections did not locate this application, indicating that comment could no longer be submitted through the portal. Among the concerns deemed legitimate by the Commission authority is protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis products.
Concerned neighbours contacted the township, where they were advised that a retail cannabis outlet is a permitted use of the building which is zoned for retail. Residents were directed to communicate their concerns to the province. Local MPP Laurie Scott’s office responded by email that their opposition to the application had been documented.
Some residents are uncomfortable with this location as it is a school bus stop, and is across the street from the local convenience store and close to Maple Leaf Park. They were also concerned that they had not been notified about this application prior to the deadline for comments.
The applicant indicated on the posting is Lush Cannabis Company. The only information on this firm’s website (www.lushcannabis.ca) is that they provide premium, craft cannabis products. Further information on its Facebook page indicates the company’s intention to build one of Canada’s first recreational cannabis brands. KG
