Rolling Leafs and Alcanna Cannabis Stores LP receive permission to open shop in Whitecourt

 

With the impending legalization of cannabis coming in just a couple of short months, business owners in Whitecourt are preparing by opening shops to service the public. Two such businesses were officially approved to begin the process at specific locations during the Thursday, August 2 Municipal Planning Commission meeting.

Development Officer Sam Love first introduced Rolling Leafs and explained to the board that the owner wanted to locate his business at 5312 – 48 Avenue. The road is directly behind Rexall Pharmacy and is flanked on either side by Millar Western and Highway 43. Administration recommended the approval of the application with the conditions that the owner meet all provincial, federal, and regulatory requirements of the sale of cannabis, that they apply for separate permits for leasehold improvements and signage, and that they post and advertise the Notice of Decision.

One of the comments made by administration and echoed by the board is that the specific property does not currently have any landscaping. The Rolling Leafs owner will work with administration to see if there are any opportunities to provide landscaping within the property. With those points in mind the board went forward with approval.

The second business to receive approval was Alcanna Cannabis Stores LP soon to be located at unit 101 – 3815 Caxton Street. The property faces Highway 43 and is within the Gateway Plaza which also houses Whitecourt Paws, SOLO Liquor, and Jobsite Workwear. Alcanna will be taking over the space currently held by Whitecourt Paws which will be moving into the recently-vacated space where the Coffee Courier used to be. Alcanna plans to employ 20 staff members with a maximum of eight staff members working at any given time. They have proposed hours of operation of 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. The board approved their request under the same conditions as Rolling Leafs.

Cannabis retailers are regulated by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission and sales are permitted until 2 a.m. daily. There are guidelines in place that restrict where cannabis businesses can be in relation to schools and hospitals. ALGC will be inspecting businesses monthly and all must meet and comply with the strict guidelines they set out.