Port Alberni could be the first city on the island to get a government retail cannabis shop after city council approved their application on Monday.
Mayor Sharie Minions said the store will be going in beside the CIBC at Pacific Rim Mall, and according to the landlord, could be ready for occupancy in a few weeks.
Local businessman Major Rai also had his application for Port Alberni’s first private cannabis store approved by council, but still requires a lengthy provincial process before he can open in the proposed location on Redford Street.
Minions said there are two more applications awaiting council approval, and they’ll be brought forward at the next meeting.
Meanwhile, local cannabis stores operating without licences are being ticketed by RCMP and Bylaw officers, and face fines of $200 a day.
Minions said the city has set an application fee of $3000 for prospective pot shops, and she’s excited for the jobs and investment the new retailers bring.
