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Medical marijuana grow-op may come to Port Alberni

Man applies for rezoning at the former Stephen's Sheet Metal building on Bute Street to allow for a commercial grow-op.

An application has been made to re-zone the former Stephen's Sheet Metal building on Bute Street to allow for a commercial, marijuana grow-op.

Dion Hopkins, 29, is applying for the rezoning. The civil engineer said new Health Canada rules governing the growing of medical marijuana, removing licences from individuals to grow pot for personal use and switching to a more industrial approach, has created an opportunity for entrepreneurs and for Port Alberni.

City Planner Scott Smith said municipalities across Canada are dealing with similar proposals since Health Canada changed their rules, but none of them have marijuana grow-op listed in any zoning categories either.

Hopkins hopes to make the Bute Street business the first of many in the region, that will send medical marijuana to patients through the mail.

The formal re-zoning process has begun, with public hearing dates to be set at the next city council meeting.

Story courtesy of David Wiwchar at PEAK FM.