Five companies are seeking to establish cannabis retail stores in Cochrane so far.

October 1 was the first day it was possible to apply to establish a store here and if each application is deemed complete Cochrane may already have filled, even exceeded its quota.

Based upon the required setbacks of 150m from sensitive areas and from other cannabis retailers, Cochrane has the potential for a maximum of six cannabis stores. But the locations would have to be ideal to make that possible.

Riley Weldon, Cochrane planning manager, says it's likely there will be less than six but a clearer picture will soon be available. Over the next few weeks the town will be reviewing the applications on a first-come, first served basis and determine if they are complete. 

"On Oct. 17, we will start to process the applications in the order that we have deemed them complete and then from there it will be the normal development permit review process," explains Welden.

Welden says the number of applications received was pretty much as anticipated. The planning department has received a steady flow of inquiries leading up to Oct. 1.

"We had a number of people contact us throughout the summer and even last year and even as we proceeded this fall up until Oct. 1."

The locations selected will impact the final number. After each application is processed the town will need to reassess where other stores can be located.

Applicants were required to submit a proposed location with their application.