Town council gave approval to the newly-created cannabis retail store land-use rules and the revised business licence bylaw.

Two changes were made to the town's first crack at controlling the location of future cannabis retail stores in Cochrane since last presented to council. While both appear minor in impact, they do take into consideration the unique nature of Cochrane's retail hub and sees the town taking an inflexible position on variances, at least for the time being.

The 150-metre separation between cannabis stores will remain intact but now will be measured from the physical building of one retailer to the property line of the next cannabis retailer.

A written submission was made by Springwood Developments, synonymous to the Quarry commercial development, stating they believe the initial wording of the proposed bylaw would unintentionally add further restrictions beyond the many other limitations already established in the bylaw. Impacting the planning department's agreement with the position was the number of large parcels, particularly in the Quarry, that have yet to be subdivided.

The change likely would have a minor impact on the number of potential retail locations available in Cochrane, estimated to be between three and five in the retail core and none in outreaching neighbourhoods.

Indications are, at least three companies are seeking approval from the province to pursue Cochrane locations. Until that is hammered out, the town is in a wait-and-see pattern, although they expect there may be an initial outburst in applications after the legalization of recreational cannabis. This is expected to slow over time.

The town will also not be accepting variances on rules, casting their rules in stone in order to take an initially conservative approach to cannabis stores. It will be subject to review in the future.

Mayor Jeff Genung was concerned over this addition to the bylaw but could not muster support to have it removed.

The planning department will be reporting back to council in a year to review the implementation of this bylaw.

Business Licence Bylaw

Buskers and street entertainers won't be required to pay for a business licence in the approved business licence bylaw that was heavily debated at the May 14 council meeting.

Other than that amendment, the bylaw went through unscathed.

Councillor Marni Fedeyko asked about the insurance requirements of food trucks circulating in the community. Economic Development manager Mike Korman says this is not part of the bylaw and it was later clarified that insurance is required by the province for food truck vendors to operate their vehicles for this mobile service.

Councillor Morgan Nagel has an upcoming motion to create a loophole, particularly aimed at local youth completing odd jobs, like lawn cutting, for a fee. Currently, the bylaw requires these youth to buy a licence to perform these door-to-door services.