Retail cannabis stores could start opening in Port Alberni this Spring.
A public hearing will happen on February 4th as bylaws are changed to remove restrictions that similar shops must be a kilometer apart, but maintain a rule that they be more than 300 metres from any school.
Bylaw Manager Flynn Scott surveyed 24 different BC communities and said business licence fees ranged from $100 to $33,000. He’s proposing a $3000 application fee and a $220 annual business licence fee.
He says now that cannabis is legal, the market will determine how many retail shops will open here.
Scott says there is an application for a provincial government cannabis store and three private stores currently waiting for city approval.
Vancouver Island’s first cannabis retail store opened in Port Hardy earlier this week.
