Oliver to listen to bid to open cannabis shop

OLIVER — Council agreed Monday it will listen to a proposal from the provincial government to open a cannabis retail outlet in the community.

Council heard the provincial government has issued letters from its Liquor Distribution Branch wishing to provide details of what a government-supported cannabis retail outlet would include and also arrange meetings with local officials to further discuss details.

Coun. David Mattes said while he doesn’t know exactly council’s role yet in moving forward with an official application for a government-run cannabis retail outlet, he’s in favour of “filling one of the holes on Main Street” with such a business.

Coun. Petra Veintimilla said she personally favours the proposal approved by Osoyoos council several months ago that would ban government-run cannabis outlets in favour of allowing only privately run operations by local business owners.

Coun. Larry Schwartzenberger didn’t agree, noting he believes a governmentrun outlet would pay union wages and pay employees more than a privately run store.

Coun. Aimee Grice said she “would be open to hear what they have to say,” but also noted she’s a strong supporter of local small business and would likely favour that model moving forward.

There has only been one query from a local business owner to open a private cannabis retail outlet on Main Street in Oliver since cannabis became legal in Canada six weeks ago, council heard.