WINDSOR – The City of Windsor is rejecting a proposal for a cannabis retail store in the downtown core.
Rose City Cannabis has applied to open a retail outlet at 545 Ouellette Ave.
A London businessman was awarded the license for the pot shop in August.
But the city has expressed concerns about the location to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Friday was the deadline set by the province for feedback.
A city document lists issues with the physical design of the store, the safety of the area as well as the back alley downtown.
The concerns were expressed by the Windsor Police Service and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
In its report, Windsor police recommends all graffiti be removed prior to the opening of the store as well as well as the installation of lighting and security cameras "to enhance the criminal resistance of the business."
The health unit also recommends a cannabis-related business be no less than 500 metres from a school, library, park or recreational centre.
Its report also says a pot store should be no less than 500 metres from addiction and mental health facilities as well as alcohol and tobacco related businesses.
The proposed location is in a neighbourhood where a number of bars and restaurants are located in Windsor.
The AGCO still has a final say of if the store can open.
Kirk Anastasiadis had hoped to be open this month. He has not returned messages from CTV News.
City council voted in January to opt-in as a host community for retail cannabis stores.
