The first phase of a cannabis production facility in Merritt is a step closer to getting started.

Mayor Linda Brown says city council has supported a development permit application from Sundial Growers to build the first phase of its facility on Airport Road.

“We gave staff direction to issue it when the following renderings, building elevations, irrigation plan and payment of the landscape security is actually provided. And then staff can just go ahead and issue the development permit.”

She says that will likely happen by next week. And she says she the company has a plan to mitigate common concerns.

“The issue of odour especially, they’re doing the best they possibly can to ensure there’s as little smell as they can have. And they’re also registered with Health Canada to ensure they meet the EPA requirements.”

Sundial Growers also has a cannabis facility in Olds, Alta.

Their plan is to build four growing pods in Merritt which will be nearly 200,000 square feet in size and will bring more than 100 jobs. The first phase of construction is expected to begin this spring, and Brown says the company hopes to be up-and-running by the fall.