Despite some opposition and concerns, Prince George city council voted 6-1 in favour of rezoning the Pine Centre Mall for a BC Cannabis store.
During the public hearing of Monday’s Council meeting, a representative from Northern Health attended with some concerns about the close proximity of the location to Prince George Secondary School.
Councillor Cori Ramsay had similar thoughts and was the single vote against.
“It’s important to note that I am not against Cannabis retail stores, I think it’s a really great emerging industry and it’s going to have really incredible benefits, however, I am hesitant to support this. I believe our youth and our families go to the mall on a daily basis and the power of invisible influence and subliminal messaging is very strong. And seeing it, whether or not you can go inside it, it’s a continuous battle with your subconscious,” according to Ramsay.
“There’s going to be impacts on the psyche of our youth and we don’t know what those are yet. I just don’t want to throw caution to the wind,” added Ramsay.
If it is approved in a final hearing, it will be the second BC Cannabis Store that council has approved; the other will be going into the Westgate Shopping Centre.
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