NANAIMO – The Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) is estimating the medical marijuana producer Tilray had an economic impact of more than $48 million in British Columbia in 2014.
The NEDC analyzed its nearly-two year relationship with Tilray, where it looked at the effects of the construction of its 60,000 square foot facility and then its operation once open.
The report suggests it contributed more than $3.2 million to local salaries and wages and created more than 350 full time jobs.
“Tilray has proven themselves to be incredible corporate citizens and the household sustaining jobs that they have created support literally hundreds of families across the region,” said NEDC’s CEO Sasha Angus in a statement.
A second Nanaimo facility could be in the works, which would be up to five times larger than Tilray’s current facility. This could provide the region with hundreds of new direct and indirect jobs, as well as millions more in economic output. The NEDC’s report says, with this expansion, Tilray would be the largest private sector employer in the region.
Nanaimo City Council approved the rezoning application in December, and the next step is approval from Health Canada.
