Province applies for cannabis retail store in Rutland

Photo: Contributed

The government wants to sell non-medical cannabis in Kelowna.

BC Cannabis Stores has put forth a formal application for a 3,500-square-foot retail store in the Willow Park Shopping Centre.

In its application, the province says the location is easily accessible and provides ample parking, will not adversely affect traffic, and complies with city policy concerning proximity to schools, parks and other retail marijuana outlets.

If approved, the government store proposes to operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

It would employ 15 full- and part-time workers, with a starting wage of about $21 an hour.

There are currently eight BC Cannabis Stores operating in the province, with eight others opening soon, including a government store in Penticton.

Meanwhile, West Kelowna council will hold a public hearing on a controversial retail store later this month.

That location has drawn the ire of some in the community and on council for its close proximity to George Pringle Elementary.