City staff say an unidentified developer hopes to grow cannabis plants for supply to the territorial government, which currently controls the only cannabis retail stores in the NWT, for recreational and medical sale.
Council has to approve the proposal as cannabis production is not specifically permitted in the area by city bylaws, but similar uses – like greenhouses and laboratories – are allowed. “The proposed uses are consistent with the permitted uses and intention of the business industrial zone,” reads a briefing document prepared by City of Yellowknife staff. The proposed facility will also include office space, a packaging area, and a research and development space.
The Engle business district is a zone dedicated to industrial development (and, a little incongruously, the NWT SPCA animal shelter) on the city’s outskirts along Deh Cho Boulevard. A purchase agreement for the developer to buy what is currently City land already exists, subject to council approving this use.
Owners of adjacent land have been informed of the proposal and, to date, no concerns have been raised, the briefing document states.
“The applicant will require federal and territorial government licensing and regulation for this proposed development,” the document continues. “This development permit is the applicant’s first step toward approval and implementation of a cannabis production facility.”
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