The Regional District of East Kootenay is holding a public hearing on a proposed retail cannabis store. This will be the Valley’s second hearing on proposed retail cannabis stores since recreational use of the drug was legalized in October 2018.
The proposed shop would be located at 4884 Athalmer Road in the empty storefront where Bavin Glassworks used to be. It would be located next to a coffee shop, art store and pet-care provider. It would also be steps away from the Invermere Liquor Store.
The Valley’s second shop to make it far enough through the application process to come forward for public scrutiny is just up the hill from the District of Invermere and less than three kilometres away from where Blooming World Cannabis intends to open on 7th Avenue.
Ryan Haynes, who is behind the application, said the proposed location is ideal since it’s away from homes, parks and schools and since it’s in close proximity to the Columbia Valley RCMP station.
The public hearing related to the store on Athalmer Road will take place at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30th. Anyone who supports or opposes the plan is welcome to share their thoughts at the hearing before the RDEK directors vote on whether to approve the shop.