Council to decide fate of Unity Cannabis

Unity Cannabis is owned by the Williams Lake First Nation, through the first government-to-government agreement between the Province of British Columbia and a First Nation under section 119 of the BC Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.

Unity currently operates a single store in Williams Lake and is in the process of building a craft cannabis cultivation site. Through their agreement with BC, Unity can operate up to seven more stores and Merritt is atop their list for expansion.

On June 22, Merritt City Council voted 4-3 to request more information, and allow for more public consultation before making a decision on the application.

Prior to the motion to delay, a motion to reject the proposal was defeated 3-4.

Tonight (July 20), Council will once again debate the proposed store after receiving over 300 pages of public input both for and against the proposal.

If the cannabis store goes well, Unity is also looking at developing the bar space in the Adelphi hotel.

“If we’re successful in advancing the retail cannabis outlet, there is some interest in developing the bar, restaurant space in the hotel,” said Williams Lake Chief Willie Sellars.

Currently, there are two retail cannabis stores open within the City of Merritt.

Tonight’s council meeting begins at 6 pm.