A proposal to open a cannabis store in Chemainus Village Square has been rejected by North Cowichan council, with several councillors citing the location’s proximity to Chemainus Secondary School as the deciding factor.
Warmland Cannabis Centre, which operates stores in Duncan, Mill Bay and Cobble Hill, applied to rezone 3055 Oak St. in Chemainus Village Square to permit cannabis retail. The site is outside the municipality’s designated retail cannabis zones and required third reading of a zoning amendment bylaw (No. 4013, 2025).
North Cowichan removed its fixed-distance rules for cannabis retail in July 2019, eliminating requirements that stores be at least 600 metres from schools and youth facilities and 300 metres from one another. The current policy gives council discretion to evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis, considering proximity to schools, parks, and family-oriented amenities without a specific distance requirement.
Chris Clay, the CEO of Warmland Cannabis Centres, presented to council at the public hearing. In his remarks, he acknowledged community concerns, particularly around youth, but argued that a licensed cannabis shop posed less risk than the unregulated black market.
“I personally have two teens, and I do my best to keep them from using cannabis, alcohol, vapes, etc. and I can assure you that proximity to a licensed cannabis store has no impact on such things,” Clay said. “It’s the black market that remains the problem. It has no age limits, no quality controls or testing, no restrictions on harmful pesticides. Anything we can do to reduce the black market will ultimately keep our communities safer.”
Clay cited Warmland’s existing stores in Mill Bay, Cobble Hill and Whippletree Junction, pointing to their positive impact on local retail hubs.
He emphasized the security measures and regulations that distinguish licensed cannabis stores from other retailers.
“Our staff are well trained and they review ID from everyone appearing under 35, and two pieces of ID are required every time. Staff also use ID guides and UV lights to ensure that IDs are valid and not forged.”
Clay also responded to some community suggestions that a different type of business should occupy the space.
“Some in the community have suggested businesses they would rather see open in our units instead," he said. "I've heard arcade, bookstore, restaurant, clothing store, but the fact is, it's very difficult to afford a lease in a modern commercial plaza, especially in these times of uncertainty.”
Summarizing his arguments, Clay said, “I hope you will approve our rezoning to help further eliminate the black market, to bring increased security to a long-vacant corner of the plaza, and to support a locally owned business that will bring new jobs to Cowichan.”
Prior to the hearing, the application drew input from the RCMP and Cowichan Valley School District, both of which opposed the location. Council also received written submissions: five in favour and six opposed.
Despite Clay’s compelling presentation, council members remained focused on one issue: the proposed location’s proximity to the high school.
“I just can’t not support the school district in this case,” said Councillor Chris Istace. “This is the full-on lunch hangout spot for the entire high school at lunch. They all congregate there. I’m there every day. I see it firsthand.”
Mayor Rob Douglas echoed that concern.
“We did legalize cannabis use in this country, and I think most of us agree it was a long time coming,” he said. “However, that doesn’t mean that all locations are appropriate for retail cannabis stores.”
The proposal was supported by Councillors Bruce Findlay and Becky Hogg.
Findlay, a former liquor store owner, stated, “I am no fan of cannabis in any way. It’s not my thing.” However, he praised the security measures outlined by Clay.
“It’s probably 10 times more secure than any liquor store,” he said. “For economic development purposes, especially for adding three, four, five, six new employees to the community, I think that’s fantastic.”
Public input at the hearing reflected council’s own divide on the issue.
“It’s all fine and good to say you don’t want a cannabis store there, but what are you going to do to solve the vacancy issues?” asked North Cowichan resident Peter Rusland, who initially supported the application. “This is an opportunity for economic development in a little town that needs it.”
However, upon learning the proximity to the high school, Rusland changed his mind.
“If it's that close and it's breaking council policies then that throws a different light on it,” he said.
The motion ultimately failed when it came time to vote, with Councillors Manhas, Findlay and Hogg in favour, and Councillors Istace, Caljouw and Mayor Douglas opposed, and Councillor Christopher Justice absent. With a 3-3 tie, the motion was defeated, as council decisions require a majority to pass.
