Image: City of Chilliwack / A rendering of a proposed cannabis store at 51296 Yale Road in Rosedale. Chilliwack city council is slated to vote on a development permit for the proposed cannabis store at its meeting today, Tuesday, May 16. The businessman behind it, Roger Huitema, posted on Facebook Monday, May 15 that he hopes to hire six staff members and have the store open no later than June 1. The store will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rosedale cannabis store

Dutch Bros. Buds hopes to open Rosedale cannabis store by June 1, hire six staff

May 16, 2023 | 10:27 AM

CHILLIWACK — As Chilliwack city councillors plan to vote Tuesday (May 16) on a development permit for the building, the businessman behind Chilliwack’s latest cannabis store hopes to have the store up and running in about two weeks.

According to a post on Facebook, Roger Huitema of Dutch Bros. Buds is looking to hire six individuals and have the cannabis store at 51296 Yale Road in Rosedale up and running by June 1.

“Good morning and happy Monday all,” the post from Roger Huitema read on Facebook on Monday, May 16. “Dutch Bros. Buds store in Rosedale is hoping to open no later than June 1 and we are looking to fill the following positions: Assistant manager, two full-time bud tenders, [and] three part-time bud tenders. If anyone is interested in applying, you must be 19 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Please send your resume to dutchbrothersbuds@gmail.com. Thanks. Roger Huitema.”

The store will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In conjunction with the development permit, signage on one of the side buildings may include a message of “this joint’s for you.”

There is an existing Dutch Bros. Buds store in Chilliwack at 5754 Vedder Road. It has a 4.5 rating on Google based on 102 reviews.

Chilliwack City Council approved a rezoning application at its meeting on February 21, 2023 that paved the way for the cannabis store in Rosedale. Council voted 6-1, with Councillor Chris Kloot opposed, to rezone properties located at 51278 Yale Road and 51296 Yale Road for the purpose of a proposed cannabis store.

Image: City of Chilliwack / The proposed cannabis store would be located at the corner of Yale Road and McGrath Road in Rosedale at 51296 Yale Road. It will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

City staff said during the meeting that it had received two public engagement packages as well as seven emails opposing the rezoning application, and 12 emails in support of the cannabis store rezoning.

Councillor Nicole Read recused herself because the applicant, Roger Huitema, was a family member.

Roger Huitema told councillors he had done an extensive renovation of the property and completed a new exterior facade, as well as septic work, paving work, proper drainage, and landscaping, to prepare the property.

Huitema told councillors he planned to bring a pharmacy to Rosedale in conjunction with the application. He said he opened Dutch Brothers Buds on Vedder Road approximately 2 1/2 years ago and has fielded absolutely zero complaints associated with that store.

The applicant told council he made sure the proposed cannabis store had at least a 300-meter barrier from schools, playgrounds, supportive housing, and another cannabis locations, of which there are presently none in Rosedale.

As for why he chose Rosedale, Huitema said he recognized that the nearest licensed store for Rosedale-area residents was either a lengthy drive into Chilliwack or a drive of 40 kilometers to Hope.