Cannabis in Burnaby
Burnaby's first legal cannabis store opened in October 2021, three years after legalization, and for six years only government-run stores were permitted. Private stores need to be at least one kilometre from any existing cannabis store, and the city's smoking bylaw bans cannabis in every park, on multi-use paths and on many sidewalks.
Where can you smoke or vape cannabis in Burnaby?
B.C. lets adults smoke cannabis in many places where tobacco is allowed, with provincial exceptions such as playgrounds, sports fields and vehicles (see the B.C. rules page). Burnaby's Smoking Regulation Bylaw, in force since January 1, 2022, goes much further and names cannabis and vaping explicitly. Fines run from $200 to $500.
| Place | Rule |
|---|---|
| All city parks and multi-use paths | Banned |
| Sidewalks, boulevards and bike lanes next to a park, or to commercial, institutional or assembly property such as schools and theatres | Banned |
| Transit stations, bus stops, shelters and benches | Banned within 6 m |
| Restaurant patios, balconies and terraces | Banned |
| Other city-owned public land and facilities | Banned outside designated smoking areas |
Because the sidewalk rule follows commercial and institutional frontage, it covers much of the walking space in Burnaby's town centres. Private residences are the practical option.
Why did Burnaby get legal stores so late?
In mid-2018 Burnaby planning staff recommended a "measured" start: government stores only, zoned like liquor stores, with a maximum of one in each of the city's four town centres. Private stores were defined separately from general retail so they could be kept out. Each government store then needed its own rezoning and public hearing.
The province applied in 2019 for stores at Metrotown and Edmonds. Council approved Metrotown and turned down Edmonds, and the Metrotown store opened on October 27, 2021. A second government store, at Brentwood, went to a contested public hearing in August 2021, where residents objected to its place in a high-density residential area. It opened in October 2022.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| August 2018 | Public hearing on a plan allowing only government stores, one per town centre |
| 2019 | Province applies for government stores at Metrotown and Edmonds |
| 2020 | Council adopts government store guidelines; Metrotown approved, Edmonds refused |
| October 27, 2021 | Burnaby's first legal cannabis store opens at Metrotown |
| October 2022 | Second government store opens at Brentwood |
| December 2, 2024 | Zoning amended so private stores can apply |
| May 27, 2025 | Council backs the first two private stores, in the northwest and southwest quadrants |
How does Burnaby control private cannabis stores?
Since December 2024, private stores can apply, but on tight terms. A store must be in a C1, C2 or C3 commercial zone (or a comprehensive development zone based on one), at least one kilometre from an existing cannabis store, and council recommends only one new store per city quadrant. Applications that arrived within 60 days of a quadrant's first were reviewed as a batch, with council choosing between them.
The city is not accepting new private store applications now. It says new ones may be considered once its review of the Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Policy finishes in 2027.