Sylvan Lake

Cannabis Retail Sales is considered a Discretionary Use, and may locate in the following districts:

• Highway Commercial (CH);
• Neighbourhood Convenience Commercial (CN);
• Neighbourhood Shopping Centre (CNS);
• 50 Street Direct Control District (DC-50);
• Waterfront Control (W-DC) - excluding those parcels fronting onto Lakeshore Drive between 39 Street and Wildrose Drive.

Setbacks

Cannabis retail stores are not premitted within 150 metres of:

• Schools;
• Provincial Healthcare Facilities;
• Public Municipal Indoor Recreation Facilities;
• Community Centres;
• Public Libraries;
• Public Playgrounds; and/or
• Between Cannabis Retail Stores.

View our cannabis retail map, which identifies existing cannabis retail exclusions that are a result of setback requirements.

1. Development Permit Process 

   1. The applicant submits an initial application to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC), for a Cannabis Retail Store License. More information can be found on the AGLC Retail Cannabis Store Handbook - please note that this process may take two to four months, as per the AGLC website;

   2. Applicants may submit either a complete Development Permit application for any new development, or addition construction, or a complete change in use Development Permit application for existing development. Each application is reviewed for completeness and the applicant is notified within 20 days if their application is determined complete or incomplete, as well as a time limit for which additional information is required;

   3. Once an application is deemed complete, it moves forward with a detailed review process. The Development Officer presents their recommendations to the appropriate approving authority (Municipal Planning Commission for CN, CNS and CH districts, and Council for all Direct Control districts). Town staff will notify the applicant of the decision within 40 days. 

   4. Following the notice of decision, where required, a 21 day appeal period begins. Please note that an application for a proposed cannabis store within a Direct Control District has no right of appeal.

2. Development Permit > Building Permit >

   Municipal Cannabis Retail Sales Business License Process

   1. Following the appeal period, a Development Permit may be issued, and the applicant may then submit a complete Building Permit application. 
      
   2. Please allow up to 15 days for Building Permit application review. The applicant will receive a building permit package with further instructions.
   3. Following the issuance of the Development Permit the applicant may then submit a complete Municipal Cannabis Retail Sales Business License application.  The Municipal Cannabis Retail Sales Business License is a two part licensing system.  Part one is an Administrative License, issued for administrative purposes only, to satisfy the requirements of Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.  7 to 10 days processing time is required.  Part two is an Operational License for the operation of a Cannabis Retail Sales Business.  The Operational License may only be issued after the Provincial Cannabis Retail Store License has been issued and a copy submitted to the Licensing Inspector of the Town. 2 to 3 days processing time is required. 

3. Building Permit > Occupancy Approval Process

   1. Once the Building Permit is approved, the applicant is responsible to obtain Occupancy Approval, and book the required inspections at least 48 hours in advance with the Building Safety Codes Officer. 

4.  Occupancy Approval > Municipal Cannabis Retail Sales Business License Approval

   1. Following the inspection, Occupancy Approval may be issued.
   2. Once Occupancy Approval is issued an Administrative License, which is part one of a Municipal Cannabis Retail Sales Business License, may be issued.  
   3. Once a copy of the Provincial Cannabis Retail Store License, issued by Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, has been submitted to the Licensing Inspector of the Town an Operational License, which is part two of a Municipal Cannabis Retail Sales Business License, may be issued.  The Operational License will allow the applicant to do business within the Town of Sylvan Lake.

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC), sets their own fees, independant of Municipal Fees. 

AGLC Cannabis Retail License Fees