The establishment of a medical marijuana production facility in Portage la Prairie has passed another hurdle. City Council has approved the conditional use application of Medical Manitoba Green Incorporated to operate on Fisher Avenue East.

People both for and against the facility spoke yesterday to council before the vote. The largest concern voiced had to do with security. Hersh Binder, the Vice President of Medical Manitoba Green Inc, assures people near the property, that there will be 24 hour security in place and the area will be one of the safest in the city.

"There will be lights and cameras and we will be very well aware, if anyone approaches the property. We have 24 hour surveillance on the property. There will be people inside of the building. There will be very many levels of security to access it. We're going to be a very secure place."

Joseph Fullmer, the President of Medical Manitoba Green Inc, says the facility will create 10 new jobs in the first year. He hopes within 3 to 5 years there will be between 30 and 40 people from the area, working at the property.