SURREY

The City of Surrey is proposing a policy framework and application process for regulating cannabis retail stores in the city. The key elements of the proposal include limiting the number of stores per community, separation distances from sensitive uses, and an application process involving a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI).

• Up to 2 cannabis retail stores per Surrey community (Whalley/City Centre, Guildford, Fleetwood, Newton, South Surrey, Cloverdale)
• Stores permitted only in OCP-designated City Centre, Town Centre, or Commercial areas, on lots zoned C-5, C-8, C-15, C-35, or CHI
• 200m separation distance from public/independent schools, City community/rec centres, and existing cannabis locations

• 60-day application window: Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) process
• Pre-screening for OCP, zoning, separation, ownership/lease, and LCRB application
• Evaluation based on location, separation, operator experience, parking, visibility, and design

Pending Council approval, staff will prepare the RFEOI and open the application window in Q2 2024.

The City of Surrey is proposing to increase its Development Cost Charges (DCCs) by 4.3% in 2024 to address inflationary cost increases for capital construction. The proposed changes will be implemented through the 2024 DCC Bylaw, which is currently under review and awaiting provincial approval.

• The DCC Bylaw will fund the growth component of the 10-Year Servicing Plan for roads, water, sewer, drainage, and parkland acquisition.
• The City is eliminating the West Clayton premium DCC as the City-wide DCC rates are sufficient to fund servicing in that area.
• The DCC Bylaw is being amended to provide exemptions for rental housing developments operated by "public housing bodies" to address housing affordability.
• The proposed DCC exemption is part of the City's Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

• February 26, 2024: Council to consider authorizing the City Clerk to bring forward the 2024 DCC Bylaw for First, Second and Third Reading.
• Upon Council approval, the City will submit the DCC Bylaw to the Provincial Inspector of Municipalities for approval.
• After provincial approval, the City Clerk will bring forward the 2024 DCC Bylaw for Final Adoption.