Board members with the Thompson Nicola Regional District have given support for a proposed cannabis grow facility in Barnhartvale.

The owners of Duck Hill Ranch are looking to build a 25,000 square-foot grow-op with a concrete base on a parcel of land which is part of the Agricultural Land Reserve.

While the TNRD has recommended approval, the Agricultural Land Commission would give final approval on the plan.

The board chair of the TNRD Ken Gillis points out the owners are also proposing to have a six-hectare piece of their land added to the ALR.

“This is 25,000 square feet in the middle of a 160-acre parcel. It’s not significant in terms of its size, but still it’s an exception.”

Gillis points out the owners are also proposing to have a six-hectare piece of their land added to the ALR.

“That sort of enhanced their application I should think. I don’t think it made any difference at the board level but I think it might make some difference to the Agricultural Land Commission when they consider the application.”

If approved, the grow-op would be the second within the TNRD boundaries. A 12,000 square foot cannabis grow facility in Chase Creek is currently under construction.