An email thread circulating among Powell River Chamber of Commerce directors, city officials and media this past week turned into a debate nearly worthy of Powell River Swap and Shop status.
The thread, which cluttered more than 40 email inboxes across town during most of August 4 and 5, had to do with Santè Veritas Therapeutics’ application to open a medical-marijuana facility in Townsite at the old Catalyst Paper Corporation administration offices, now owned by City of Powell River.
The gist of it was that certain members of the business community were concerned about the facility being opened in that location, citing an unsightly building with fences and security near historic sites such as Dwight Hall.
Other members of the business community chimed in that Powell River is in need of new jobs and Santè Veritas could bring upwards of 40 new employment opportunities to the area.
Really, this is a no-brainer. City officials advised the participants in this exclusive email debate that it is working closely with Santè Veritas to ensure development of the old mill offices will fit with the surrounding buildings in Townsite.
In fact, Townsite Heritage Society has already given the company its input on how the building’s faÇade should look and it seems open to any suggestions.
As for the unsightliness of security fences, according to city officials, although they have not seen plans for the business yet, they are not aware of any intention to put fences up. And, according to the company, it is prepared to do whatever it takes to make the neighbours happy.
One of the most prevalent suggestions in the email thread was to consider another location for the business. This seems to be the pattern with most proposed developments in Powell River.
Yes, we agree that this will be good for the economy and will create jobs for local people. But, no, we definitely do not want it in our backyard.
The problem is, every location is in someone’s “backyard,” and the old mill offices location is just as suitable for Santè Veritas’ medical-marijuana facility as some of the other locations that were proposed.
Plus, the city owns the building and can tax the company, so it is a clear win for residents.
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
