Cannabis

To learn Alberta's approach to the rules and regulations that will come into effect once Cannabis is legalized in Canada.  Please see this link (video). 

Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) website on Cannabis. 

Cannabis Health Effects (Courtesy of the Government of Canada)

• Short Term
• Long Term
• Effects on Youth
• Addiction
• Impairment

Areas of Responsibility

Interested in filing an application for a Cannabis Retail Store? See below for the steps to do so.

Step 1:  Review the development permit application and applicable requirements under the Land Use Bylaw to understand where proposed retail stores can be located in the Town of St. Paul. 

According to the Land Use Bylaw, the Town has implemented a 200m setback (measured from the exterior wall of the cannabis store to the lot line of the parcel) from the following addresses:

• DP 051-18 (Issued) Approved Cannabis Retail Store site:  5121-50 Avenue / Tax Roll #1282
• DP 044-20 (Issued) Approved Cannabis Retail Store site: 4225-50 Avenue / Tax Roll #2647
• DP 057-20 (Issued) Approved Cannabis Retail Store site:  5026-50 Avenue / Tax Roll #536
• St. Paul Wellness Centre:  4801-39 Street / Tax Roll #2687
• St. Paul Community Health Services:  5610 to 5622 - 50 Avenue / Tax Roll #980
• St. Therese Healthcare Centre:  4713-48 Avenue /  Tax Roll #1750
• St. Paul Municipal Library: 4802-53 Street / Tax Roll #1768
• Ecole Racette Junior High School: 4638-50 Avenue / Tax Roll #1974
• St. Paul Regional High School:  4701-44 Street / Tax Roll #820
• Glen Avon School:  4402-42 Street / Tax Roll #2544
• Ecole Elementaire - St. Paul Elementary Community School:  4520-48 Avenue / Tax Roll #2274
• Ecole du Sommet:  4609-40 Street / Tax Roll #2627
• Les Petit Oursons Day Care:  4617-50 Avenue / Tax Roll #2272
• Boys & Girls Club Day Care: 4821-50 Avenue / Tax Roll #2023
• St. Paul Child Care Facility:  5201-50 Street / Tax Roll #233002
• St. Paul Alternate Education Centre (SPAEC):  4701-44 Street / Tax Roll #820
• Parcel of land that is designated as school reserve or municipal and school reserve under the MGA.  At minimum, this means any existing park or playground or vacant land that may be developed in the future for a park, playground, or school.
• Existing Liquor Stores
• Portage College:  5205-50 Avenue / Tax Roll #1287

**New cannabis retail store sites must:

• be zoned as C1 District;
• be directly adjacent to Main Street (50th Street) or on a service road adjacent to Main Street (50th Street);
• be 200m setback from the properties listed above;
• Minimum of 1 parking stall per employee on shift.

Step 2: Select a site that meets the above noted requirements. The Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) cannot vary the separation distance. If the site selected is within 200m of the applicable uses within the Land Use Bylaw. MPC will refuse the file for that particular reason. Although, an applicant can submit an appeal to the ISDAB.

Step 3:  At anytime, the applicant/owner may apply for the Roadside Development Permit through Alberta Transportation.  It is our understanding that their turnaround time could be up to 4-6 weeks.  

Step 4:  Submission of the development permit application, Alberta Transportation's approval, development permit fee of $1200.00, & AGLC's Due Diligence Department clearance together to the Director.  

Once all the information is received the Planning team conducts an investigation of the site selected, takes photos, and prepares a report for the Municipal Planning Commission's (MPC) consideration.  The MPC is the approving authority for all cannabis retail stores.  It usually takes 2-3 weeks to conduct a review of the application submitted and schedule a meeting with the MPC.  Applications are considered on a first come first serve basis.  As a result, when you file your application there could be other applications in the queue to be reviewed. Please know that we will make every effort to review your permit application as soon as we possibly can.

The MPC can either approve with conditions, table for more information, or deny an application with reasons.

Step 5:  If the application is approved, the Planning team sends out notices to adjacent owners, the local newspaper, Facebook, the Town's Website, and posts a notice on the doors of the Town Hall.  Any party may appeal the decision within 21 days from the date it appears in the local newspaper.  If the file is tabled or denied, the Director of Planning will be in contact with you to advise you of the next steps.

Step 6:  After the 21 day appeal period has concluded, the development permit is issued and emailed to the applicant and owner, if no appeals are received.

According to the Land Use Bylaw, notwithstanding 5.10.3.b., Cannabis Stores approved prior to November 13, 2023 may be located closer than 200 m from the sites and uses listed in 5.10.3.b. until such time as the Cannabis Store use ceases for six months or longer.

Please call the Planning & Development department for more information.

If you wish to inquire or apply for a cannabis facility, please see the Land Use Bylaw 2021-04 for the requirements.