We first began circulating our two-page economic assessment of Edmonton as a cannabis tourism destination at the beginning of August with industry folk, and subsequently posted it online for public consumption. In the roughly three months time, there seems to be an increase in discussion about tourism and hospitality from a cannabis consumption perspective.
To us, conversation is a positive first step, but there’s more to be done. Having conversations with the correct people, in the correct rooms, with the correct action items and outcomes. That will be real progress.
And we believe we have started to do just that.
This past week, Diplomat, along with several invited stakeholders, met collectively inside Edmonton City Hall walls, with Councillor Michael Janz (ward papastew). The first of what we hope will be many meetings inside City Hall on this very topic, we were thoroughly impressed with the non-stigmatized free flowing conversation of the morning.
Over cups of coffee and delicious Italian Bakery donuts, folks from all business sectors of Edmonton met to talk about a very important topic – how to continue to support the cannabis industry as it takes the next steps in maturing, and developing the cannabis hospitality sector.
From left to right: Ivan Ross Vrána, Nathan Mison, a city staffer
The main call to action coming from the round table was that of a formalized request to the city for zoning and bylaw changes harmonizing cannabis similar to that of alcohol. As the City of Edmonton Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative is currently sitting in Phase 1 of the timeline, there is opportunity to give feedback to the city on proposed zoning changes to allow for cannabis to exist in all (or most) places alcohol can.
A cannabis infused dine-out experience. A CBD-infused tea at your favourite local coffee shop. A THC cocktail for you while your friends enjoy their wine night outing. A therapeutic CBD massage for your inflamed muscles. All of these can be possible with bylaw changes to allow more free cannabis usage.
The draft zoning bylaw can be reviewed online and comments can be directly placed in the guest book. Diplomat is currently suggesting that the optimal request to city staff for every location that reads “alcohol” to be changed to “alcohol/cannabis”.
Diplomat is actively engaging with municipal experts and urban planners to develop a full cannabis bylaw proposal and we will regularly update our website and social media channels on further ways to effectively consult with the city on this bylaw change.
Without the support of Edmonton and area based economic development agencies, chamber chapters, business associations, and culinary institutions, last week’s meeting would not have been as strong a show of support as it was, and Diplomat is incredibly thankful for the encouragement it receives from all sides to round out the conversation.
Sincere thanks for those who attended the meeting and supported the initiative: SNDL, ACMLA, TIMBR Group, Alberta Chamber of Commerce, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Situate, Nova Cannabis, High Tide, Explore Edmonton, Cheryll Watson, those who were unable to attend but were there in spirit, and more. And the greatest thanks to the office of ward papastew Michael Janz for providing a safe and non-stigmatized space for open discussion. We look forward to continued meetings and discussion on making this initiative a reality for 2023.
Diplomat Consulting’s two-page briefing on Edmonton’s potential to lead Canadian cannabis hospitality and tourism. Click below for a PDF copy of the briefing.
