News

Northern BC’s gateway to pot?

Published on January 20, 2019 by David Wylie

Prince George city council will consider an application from the province to open a BC Cannabis Store in the northern BC city.

It could be the second in the province.

Staff in PG are recommending that the first two readings be given Monday (Jan. 20) to the bylaw, which would then open up the process for public feedback.

“Administration supports this rezoning application as it is consistent with OCP policy direction,” says the report to council.

The location is in a regional shopping centre off Highway 16 West that has a Walmart and other amenities. Prince George is a hub for surrounding communities.

Since the application is from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, it would not have to go back to the province for approval if green lit at the municipal level.

The store is proposed for the former standalone Royal Bank location.

Currently, the only other location in the province for a BC Cannabis Store is in Kamloops.

‘Most stonery stoner’

Some have criticized the province for not opening a store yet in Vancouver.

“Why not Vancouver where everyone is? No offence to Prince Georgians or Kamloopsians – they should be open everywhere. The most stonery stoner could have set up a better system.”

Last November, a communications officer with the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, told the oz. that the branch is focused on finding new locations in the Vancouver area and Vancouver Island.

“We are actively investigating suitable locations across the province and are committed to a careful and efficient rollout of our network of BC Cannabis Stores (BCCS),” she said. “The LDB is particularly focused on securing suitable locations within the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island areas in an effort to cater to the province’s most discerning markets.”