Gibsons council issues temporary use permit for S&M Sweet Shoppe

It wasn’t an easy decision but ultimately Gibsons’ council is going to let S&M operate in the community for another year.

The cannabis dispensary had been in the process of applying for a temporary use permit and it took much debate before they got the permit.

There had been concerns about the appearance of the store but Councillor Stafford Lumley says he has a kid and it hasn’t been an issue.

“I have a 9-year-old who rides her bike back and forth from the school,” said Lumley.

“And she’s never asked me once what was in the store. People have their own understanding of what the colour pink and green might attract.”

Mayor Beamish was the only one on council who voted against the idea of issuing a temporary use permit for the cannabis shop.

His concern was that the wanted the business to apply for a provincial license like the other two dispensaries who are operating in the town.

“A lot of jurisdictions have just shut the door on everybody,” said Beamish.

“They don’t have anyone operating until they have their provincial license in hand. I think Gibsons has taken a much softer approach and if you do apply for the license, we’ll work with you through the process.”

Employees and supporters of the business spoke up at the council meeting this week and spoke in support of S&M.

Many of them explained the medical benefits of the products the shop is offering and also the jobs it brought to the community.

Councillor David Croal, Stafford Lumley and Annmarie De Andrade voted in favour of issuing the temporary use permit while Mayor Bill Beamish voted against it.

Councillor Aleria Ladwig was not present for the vote as she declared a conflict of interest due to how close she lives to S&M.