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Legal grow-op nearing completion

Construction of a cannabis grow operation in the Louis Creek Industrial Park south of Barriere is about four to six weeks behind schedule, according to Smile (Yifan Zhang) of Smile Cultivation Ltd.
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Four-and-a-half partially covered greenhouses belonging to Smile Cultivation Ltd. stand next to several other units still at the frame-only stage on Friday, March 27. The project in the Louis Creek Industrial Park should be competed by June or July. (Keith McNeill - Barriere Star/Journal)

Construction of a cannabis grow operation in the Louis Creek Industrial Park south of Barriere is about four to six weeks behind schedule, according to Smile (Yifan Zhang) of Smile Cultivation Ltd.

“Most English speakers have trouble pronouncing my real name so I just call myself Smile,” he said.

The main reason for the delay was the unusual amount of snowfall this past winter. Another reason has been problems with the electrical system.

The expected opening date now is sometime in June or July, he said.

Between four and seven people will be employed during the operation’s first phase. Smile said he is looking for reliable people to work there.

The facility will include several large greenhouses plus adjacent office space. Once the facility is fully built, he does not expect there will be any trouble getting the necessary Health Canada permits.

Smile said that his family is involved in operating several greenhouses in China