A bright green building has popped up in Ottawa’s west end and it’s causing friction in the community. The eye-catching site is a new medical marijuana dispensary which is set to open this week on Laperriere Avenue near McBride Street. Residents in the neighbourhood are concerned about its proximity to a school across the street.

Marilyn lives in the area and said she isn’t very keen on the prospect of the addition to her neighbourhood.

“I have no idea what to expect, none at all. I had no notice it was coming and it just appeared,” she said. “I guess we’ll see what happens.”

The city councillor for the area, Riley Brockington, wants to see public consultations done because of the dispensary’s location and the reaction from community members.

“When local communities are taken by surprise, they react to that. So I hope that communication channels can open up here and that they’re (dispensary owners) willing to have that meeting,” he said.

Deep Singh is the owner of the ‘Ottawa Cannabis Dispensary’ and says he is willing to talk with people concerned with his store.

“Our number one thing is to educate, regulate and medicate patients,” Singh said. “We’re trying to offer affordable prices to Ottawa and stay within regulations to keep the city happy.”

Medical marijuana dispensaries have been opening across the city since the federal government promised to legalize the recreational drug next year. Many shops have already begun selling marijuana to people with prescriptions. The Ottawa police released a statement saying they are aware of the arrival of these dispensaries.

“Current legislation is enforceable and public complaints will be investigated by the Ottawa Police, as they arise,” the statement said.

Other Canadian cities have already set up rules to regulate these new businesses. In Vancouver, dispensaries must be 300 metres away from schools and community centres. The City of Ottawa said they don’t have any plans to follow in Vancouver’s steps.

“The City does not license this activity. The dispensing of medical marijuana is a federally regulated matter,” according to a statement from the City of Ottawa.

With a report from CTV Ottawa