Retail Cannabis Bylaws

Land Use Bylaw

On July 9, 2018, Council passed Bylaw 12/2018 Amendment to the Land Use Bylaw. This bylaw regulates where cannabis retail stores can locate in St. Albert.

Key Points: 

  • 100m separation distance between cannabis retail stores
  • 150m separation between a cannabis retail store and a school
  • 100m separation between a cannabis retail store and a provincial health facility (i.e. Sturgeon Hospital)
  • Depending on the location, minimum separation distances may vary
  • Depending on the Land Use District, a cannabis store is either a permitted, a discretionary, or prohibited use (please see map)

Map: Cannabis Retail Stores - Locations for St. Albert

Building Permit

A building permit will be required for all cannabis retail stores opening in St. Albert. This permit is related to compliance and inspections, as required by the Alberta Building Code and related regulations.

Business Licensing

On June 25, 2018, the City of St. Albert approved cannabis-related amendments to the Business Licensing Bylaw (Bylaw 33/2018) and the Tobacco Retail Licensing Bylaw (Bylaw 34/2018), which regulates business activity within St. Albert.

Key Points:

  • Yearly licensing fees for cannabis retail stores - $854.76
    • Fee is identical to the fee paid for by businesses that sell tobacco products.
  • Restricted Products - Cannabis retail stores are regulated through the existing “restricted products” section of the Business Licensing Bylaw.
    • Cannabis and cannabis accessories are defined as “restricted products,” so municipal regulations are consistent for stores selling products associated with cannabis, as well as stores selling cannabis.
      • Stores are not allowed to sell products to minors.
      • Stores are not allowed to display products that can be seen from outside the store.
  • If complaints are received about a cannabis store, the bylaw outlines specific conditions that can be placed on the licence of an establishment that sells restricted products. The conditions that may be imposed are:
    • A requirement that the establishment can only operate between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
    • A requirement that all cannabis products must be stored in sealed containers/packaging, while it is kept at the establishment.
  • Concerns will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and conditions imposed at the discretion of the City of St. Albert. The bylaw also outlines the process for businesses to appeal any conditions imposed.

Related Pages

Last edited: January 26, 2024