The mayor of Merritt says the city is looking at changing or getting rid of a bylaw that limits the number of cannabis stores.

Linda Brown says the bylaw to only allow four cannabis stores was created before cannabis became legal, and the conversation has now changed.

“It wasn’t really a researched position because there really wasn’t anything to research. We had no information before us, but times have changed a little since then, and we’re just going back to the public and saying is this really what we want, or do we want to let the market decide?” Brown says.

“We all recognize that ultimately, the market will decide how many retail dispensaries we’ll need in the city. On the other hand, this gives us the opportunity to treat all businesses the same. Ultimately it will be the taxpayers decision.”

Merritt city council supported a fourth retail cannabis application this week – at 1999 Voght Street – and Brown says more retailers are interested in seeking a sales license if they’re able. The other three stores previously supported by council are near the Coquihalla on River Ranch Road, and downtown on Quilchena and Nicola avenues.