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Greater Victoria’s first BC Cannabis Store could open at Saanich shopping centre

Store application for Uptown Shopping Centre headed for public hearing
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The province’s Liquor Distribution Branch has applied to open a BC Cannabis Store at Uptown Shopping Centre. Saanich Council approved the application which will go to public hearing next. (Black Press Media file photo)

A retail cannabis store could be opening its doors at the Uptown Shopping Centre.

On Monday, May 25, Saanich council approved an application for BC Cannabis Store at the popular shopping centre. The application will go to public hearing so residents can weigh in on the decision.

The province’s Liquor Distribution Branch is applying to open the store, which would be the first government-operated non-medicinal retail cannabis store in the region.

READ ALSO: Saanich approves cannabis bylaws amid pending BC Cannabis application

At the council meeting, Coun. Colin Plant said having a store run by the province gives him “great faith.” He also said he is supportive of the application going to public hearing and that Uptown would be a good location given its distance from schools.

“I believe it is something Saanich needs to give consideration to now that [cannabis] is a legal substance,” Plant said.

Under the Cannabis Distribution Act, private cannabis retail stores need a licence from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch but government-owned BC Cannabis Stores do not. The Liquor Distribution Branch is still required to work with local governments to meet municipal policies.

According to a staff report, the proposed location of the store would be near the Whole Foods on the second level of the Uptown Shopping Centre. The report said notice of the application was sent to Saanich police, Saanich fire, SD61 and community associations. Both Saanich police and fire had no objections to the application and SD61 did not respond.

Council support for the cannabis store application to go to public hearing was unanimous.

READ ALSO: Saanich to hold public hearing on potential for growing local cannabis

shalu.mehta@blackpress.ca


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