Okanagan’s third government-run cannabis store planned for Kelowna
Kamloops got the first government-run cannabis store the day pot was legalized on Oct. 17, 2018.
Now, just over a year later, the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch is applying for a B.C. Cannabis Store for Willow Park mall in the Rutland neighbourhood of Kelowna.
Two stores are now open in Kamloops with another one pending. Applications have also been made for West Kelowna and Penticton.
The Willow Park application is for a 3,500 square foot space, half the size of the one proposed for West Kelowna, which is meant to become a regional headquarters for the area from Osoyoos to Vernon.
The West Kelowna application is expected to go to public hearing on Nov. 12. School District 23 is opposing that rezoning effort since it’s only 160 metres from George Pringle Elementary School. That fits the rules set by West Kelowna council but the school board wants cannabis stores to be at least 500 metres from schools.
The Willow Park application fits all the rules set down by the City of Kelowna, the application letter states.
If approved, it will employ about 15 unionized staff and might be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
The rezoning application was filed with Kelowna city staff yesterday, Oct. 30 and will have to go to a public hearing.
The Penticton outlet has been approved but the Liquor Distribution Branch is still negotiating terms with the landlord.
The B.C. Cannabis web site lists two stores being open in Kamloops with one pending on Lansdowne Street. Earlier this year another one was listed as pending on Tranquille Road but that is no longer on the list.
Vernon imposed a moratorium on new cannabis stores last summer.
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