A prospective Port Moody cannabis retailer that’s yet to sell a single bud is offering something that may be even more valuable.
Stellava Ventures, which is still trying to gain approval from the city to open its Purp City shop at 2506 St. Johns St., will be refilling containers of hand sanitizer for free on Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The alcohol-based cleaning product has become an important commodity in combatting the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
In a statement, the company said it’s acquired 40 litres of hand sanitizer from a North Vancouver distillery and it will have tables and pumps set up at its planned Port Moody location to allow people to fill their own containers as long as the supply lasts.
“Social distancing will be a must and adequate measures will be taken to assure everyone has ample space around them at all times,” the company said, adding any leftovers will be donated to Share Family and Community Services as well as the Port Moody food bank.
Stellava’s application for a cannabis retail license in Port Moody was one of two put on hold by city council last December, after the proposed location for its Purp City outlet was deemed too close to the city’s arts centre, which is located 61 metres away — within the prescribed 75-metre buffer zone around sensitive uses like community centres and playgrounds.
Stellava, and an application by Westcaana for a shop at 3034 St. Johns, are to be part of a second wave of seven other applicants council will likely consider sometime this spring.
Two applicants were given city approval last December. Kiaro recently opened Port Moody’s first cannabis retail shop at 2816 St. Johns St. and Burb Cannabis is planning to open its third outlet in the Tri-Cities at Suter Brook Village.
