Windsor may be getting a cannabis store.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario held its second lottery Tuesday, with the results released on Wednesday, and a Windsor applicant was picked.
Kyriakos G Anastasiadis was chosen to apply for a pot store licence at 545 Ouellette Ave., north of Wyandotte St. in downtown Windsor.
"It is not a surprise," says Chair of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association Brian Yeomans. "The fact that it is happening downtown as long. As it is done properly and in a respectful manner, I'm not concerned about it at all."
The applicants have to show proof that they have secured retail space and have enough capital to open it.
They have until August 28th to pay licensing fees.
11 of the 42 new stores are in the west region.
Yeomans says as long as it is done property, he's not concerned.
"I think it is better than having black market marijuana available given the opportunity to actually buy it legally without having to mail it or order it online, I think this is definitely the more appropriate way of handling it."
Owner of the now closed Higher Limits Jon Liedtke believes it will help the city core.
"I think it makes sense," he says. "It is also a great way now to help to reinvigorate and bring some more foot traffic back to the core. It's a lottery, so we will see as more of these stores open up through the next rounds of the lottery if people decide to move to other locations in the city."
Locally, Windsor, Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Leamington and Pelee Island opted in to host a cannabis store, while LaSalle, Lakeshore and Tecumseh opted out.