CARSTAIRS-DIDSBURY - So far, two cannabis retail sales applicants have received development permits from the Town of Didsbury, said Matthew Konowalchuk, manager of planning and development services for the town.
The applicants receiving development permits from the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) were Cannabis Cowboy for 2103 20th St. and Didsbury Cannabis Mart for 1602 20th St.
One other proposed cannabis retail store, Bud Mart at 1908 20th St., has also requested a development permit, which is scheduled to be reviewed at the Oct. 24 MPC meeting.
"Cannabis retail sales will be eligible for a town business licence once approvals from the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission) are met," said Konowalchuk.
Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter said that approving a number of cannabis retail stores for permits shows the town is open for business.
"Didsbury needs to be and is a town that endeavours to, and succeeds at, meeting the needs of all residents, and cannabis retail stores, and, potentially, production facilities, are now part of that," said Hunter. "This council has passed the bylaws that guide the process of welcoming and (development) permitting cannabis retail and production facilities into our town.
"By doing that, this council has made the statement that we are open to entrepreneurs and new business wanting to be part of the new opportunity that is now legal in Canada."
The Town of Carstairs had one applicant, Canna Corp., which has been approved for a development permit and a business licence to operate a cannabis retail store at 1115 Hammond St. in Carstairs.
"With that information, he has to send it off to Alberta Gaming and Liquor (AGLC) and then he goes through their process," said Carl McDonnell, Carstairs CAO. "We're basically the first step in the process to get a store. It shows everything complies to our bylaws and our regulations, all that gets sent to Edmonton (AGLC) and they apply up there."
