Cannabis
BREAKING NEWS
The British Columbia Small Cannabis Producer and Processor Co-op is forming and invites small producers and processors to participate in the process.
BC Craft Supply Co. is conducting an online survey entitled Craft Growers Orientation Questionnaire and welcomes your comments. |
On this page, you'll find more information about the following:
- Economic Development
- The Cannabis Industry
- Slocan Valley Cannabis Synopsis
- Kootenay Cannabis Symposium
- Business Development
- Cannabis Regulations
- Making Application for Cannabis Cultivation, Processing, Nursery, Analytical Testing and Research
- Making Application for Cannabis Retail Sales
- Regional Land Use Requirements
- Municipal Land Use Requirements
- Regional Resources
Economic Development
The Cannabis Industry
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) recognizes the potential that the legal cannabis industry holds for our local economy--to provide a living for residents and local business owners, and to generate revenue which supports important services that the RDCK provides.
To help candidates navigate the process of getting a license to produce or process cannabis in the regional district, we are collecting all cannabis-related RDCK information here on one page. We also provide some links to other websites to get you pointed in the right direction.
All attempts are made to ensure the following information is relevant, however, the RDCK isn`t responsible for the content, nor does it necessarily endorse the position or statements made by third parties.
Slocan Valley Cannabis Synopsis
The Slocan Valley Cannabis Synopsis takes a deep dive into the local industry and community, helping to identify challenges and suggestions for support to those entering or transitioning to the legal cannabis market.
The findings from the report are relevant not only the Slocan Valley, but to other parts of the Central Kootenays and British Columbia.
The report was researched and written by Ron LeBlanc, Slocan Valley Economic Development Coordinator and staff member of the RDCK.
Download the Slocan Valley Cannabis Synopsis report.
Kootenay Cannabis Symposium
The Kootenay Cannabis Symposium took place on April 15, 2019 in Nelson, BC. This event was a collaborative effort made by many stakeholders in the local cannabis industry, with local, provincial and federal government involvement, and participation from a diverse cross-section of local organizations and sponsorship from a variety of businesses.
The purpose of the symposium was to gather the local cannabis industry together with various levels of government to brainstorm challenges and solutions for those looking to participate in the legal cannabis market.
The symposium was organized by Kootenay United Cannabis Association (K.U.C.A.) with support from the RDCK. Findings and analysis of the symposium were written up by K.U.C.A.
Download the Kootenay Cannabis Symposium Report.
Business Development
Locally, Community Futures of Central Kootenay is a good resource for help with the development of your business.
Visit Community Futures Cannabis Business Transition for more information on cannabis business development.
Cannabis Regulations
Making Application for Cannabis Cultivation, Processing, Nursery, Analytical Testing and Research
Health Canada is the approval authority for Cannabis Cultivation, Nursery and Processing licenses under the Cannabis Act. More information on requirements can be found here.
- Cannabis Licencing Application Guide
- Cannabis Licencing Good Production Practices
- Cannabis Licencing Physical Security Guidelines
The RDCK is not an approval authority for Cannabis facilities.
Applicants who are pursuing a license for cultivation, nurseries or processing are not required to notify area residents of their intent to establish a facility. Applicants are required only to provide notification to local governments, local fire departments and law enforcement of their intent to pursue licensing. Notification is not considered confirmation that an application has been submitted or authorized.
Building permits are required for any newly constructed facility. The issuance of building permits cannot legally require public process.
If you are making application to Health Canada for a Cannabis Cultivation, Processing or Nursery License, the RDCK will require you to provide the following information:
- The name of the applicant (individual or company name) and proof of ownership
- The expected date on which the application will be submitted to Health Canada
- The class or sub-class of license or licence(s) being sought and the cannabis related activities that are expected to be carried out under the license; and
- The site address in which cannabis-related activities are expected to be conducted
For an associated fee of $50, applicants can request a 'Property Letter' that will outline the applicable zoning, adjacent zoning and building code requirements for the purposes of their licensing and will copy such letters to the Local Government Official or Local Area Director, Regional Fire and Emergency Services and Police Services as proof of notification to these authorities.
Questions or concerns regarding proposed or existing licensed production facilities can be directed to Health Canada at:
- Office of Controlled Substances, Health Canada
- omc-bcm@hc-sc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-337-7705
A list of authorized commercial producers can be found here: Health Canada Licensed Producers
Making Application for Cannabis Retail Sales
In the Province of BC, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulations Branch (LCRB) will be responsible for issuance of licenses for Cannabis Retail facilities. A Guideline for Applicants can be found here.
If you are making application to the Provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulations Branch for a Cannabis Retail License, your application should be submitted directly to the LCRB. The Regional District will be notified following receipt of your application and will follow the Procedures and Process as adopted by the RDCK Board. There is an associated fee of $500 to cover the anticipated costs for community notification as part of the Provincial requirements for such applications.
More detail on the procedures can be found here: NEW Liquor and Cannabis Retail Sales Procedures
Regional Land Use Requirements
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has ADOPTED revisions to its Land Use Regulations in Electoral Areas A, B, C, Ainsworth, F, G, I, J and K to enable cannabis cultivation, processing, nurseries and retail sales. Portions of Electoral Areas A, B, D, E, G and H do not have applicable local Land Use Regulation. These areas may still require approvals from the Province where lands are within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
- Cannabis Retail Sales have been enabled in Commercial Zones throughout the RDCK. There has been no limit placed on the number of retail outlets that will be permitted in the RDCK. Applications will require community notification and support as required by the Province.
- Cannabis Nursery Licenses have been enabled for lands under the Rural Residential (R3), Remote Residential (R4), Agricultural (AG) and Industrial (M) zones of the RDCK. Specific requirements for setbacks and the scale of operations are detailed under each zone.
- Cannabis Micro Cultivation and Micro Processing Licenses have been enabled for lands under the Rural Residential (R3), Remote Residential (R4), Agricultural (AG) and Industrial (M) zones of the RDCK. Specific requirements for setbacks and the scale of operations are detailed under each zone.
- Cannabis Standard Cultivation and Standard Processing Licenses have been enabled for lands under the Agricultural (AG) and Industrial (M) zones of the RDCK. Specific requirements for setbacks and the scale of operations are detailed under each zone.
Detailed provisions can be found under each applicable zone under the RDCK Land Use Bylaws, which can be found here. Planning staff can also assist individuals and companies on how the provisions apply to individual properties if property details are provided.
Cannabis Regulations Engagement Report
The RDCK hosted a series of six sub-regional workshops to build a common understanding of the cannabis industry in the RDCK. The workshops were held in conjunction with online engagement through a survey in August 2018. More than 300 participants were engaged either online or in person. Workshops were held in Nelson, Meadow Creek, Castlegar, Nakusp, Creston and Winlaw. The purpose of this engagement was to invite members of the cannabis industry, interested community members and other stakeholders to discuss the role of local government in the transition and legalization of cannabis within the RDCK.
The workshop presentation and engagement report arenow available:
- Regional District of Central Kootenay Cannabis Workshop Presentation [PDF - 2.8 MB]
- Regional District of Central Kootenay Cannabis Engagement Report [PDF - 625 KB]
Currently within the Regional District of Central Kootenay, Production Licenses (LPs) were enabled under the former Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) on lands zoned 'Agriculture' in 2014, in parallel with the Provincial governments decision that cannabis production was considered a ‘Farm Use’ by the Ministry of Agriculture and was deemed a land use that could not be ‘prohibited’ on lands designated for such purposes. Research and Development facilities were enabled on lands zoned 'Industrial'.
Municipal Land Use Requirements
The RDCK does not regulate cannabis cultivation, processing and retail sales within its member municipalities. For information on cannabis related business opportunities within each of the member municipalities, please contact them directly.
City of Nelson
City of Castlegar
Town of Creston
Village of Kaslo
Village of Nakusp
Village of Salmo
Village of Slocan
Village of Silverton
Village of New Denver
Regional Resources
Programs related to the cannabis industry
- Selkirk College Introduction to Cannabis Cultivation
- Okanagan College Cannabis Business Courses
- College of the Rockies Cannabis Retail Specialization
Regional organizations with cannabis resources
- Community Futures Cannabis Business Transition
- Kootenay United Cannabis Association
- BC Small Cannabis Producers & Processors
The content on this page was last updated July 12 2019 at 7:03 AM