Cannabis retailers are getting ready to open up shop in Bonnyville.
Town of Bonnyville council approved development permits for The Hive Cannabis Corp. and Canna Cabana after both met the requirements set by the municipality for cannabis retailers.
The Hive will be located 5504-50 Ave., while Canna Cabana’s setting up at 5506-50 Ave unit three.
The Hive had some variance issues because of the proximity to a park near Jessie Lake, however, manager Kyle Sargent was happy to have their permit given the green light by council.
“Now, we just have to wait for a development permit to come through, and then we can begin renovations,” he noted.
After submitting a copy of the approved development permit to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC), The Hive hopes to have an open date between Dec. 15 and Jan. 2.
The extensive renovation will give the store a Lakeland-inspired feel, which Sargent said would let customers know they’re “walking into a store in Bonnyville that’s owned and run by local people.”
It was important for Sargent to design the store with the community in mind, while ensuring residents enjoy the atmosphere.
“We wanted it to be a Lakeland community feeling environment... We’re hoping to have pictures of early Bonnyville on the walls to showcase where Bonnyville came from and where we’re headed,” Sargent detailed.
A long-term resident of the area, Sargent believes the business is important for the town.
“What I keep hearing from everyone is they’re excited to have the store open and they’re looking forward to it. I figured why not put it here for the people that want it,” he expressed.
Sargent hopes The Hive will be the first cannabis retail establishment to open their doors in Bonnyville.
“We’re very excited to, hopefully, be the first cannabis store open in Bonnyville, and being the locally-owned cannabis store in Bonnyville,” he said.
While The Hive will be the town’s ma and pa cannabis shop, the Canna Cabana Bonnyville location is one of many the company plans to have throughout Alberta.
“We examined what would be a good fit for us. It’s a very challenging space for us right now in terms of different regulations in place. We’re exploring all kinds of opportunities, and Bonnyville seemed to be a good fit,” explained public relationships specialist with Canna Cabana Jason Kostiw.
Canna Cabana is a Calgary-based cannabis retailer. Their goal is to have 37 locations opened throughout the province by early 2019.
Kostiw noted the size and growth of Bonnyville is what drew them to the area, along with the openness from the municipality to the industry is something they hope will make the location successful.
Next up for Canna Cabana is to request a building permit through the municipality, and also apply for an AGLC license.
“There’s still quite a few steps remaining before we open, but we’re hoping by the time we have everything in place, AGLC has addressed their supply issue and we’ll be able to open with stock and serve any interested customers,” Kostiw noted.
While they don’t have a specific date in mind, Kostiw said they hope to open towards the end of 2018.
Administration for the town sent out notifications to adjacent landowners when the permits were submitted, encouraging residents to voice their opinions about the incoming businesses.
Coun. Elisa Brosseau echoed the concerns raised about Canna Cabana not being locally-owned, though she did want to support new businesses coming to town.
“I just wanted to point out what the feedback was on this business, just that I thought it was a good point that (the resident) stated that they weren’t local,” she noted.
In an email submitted to the town by residents Michael and Crystal Healey, their concerns regarding both locations due to their proximity to their property and the park by Jessie Lake were made.
“Both of the properties are in very close proximity to residential areas, including my own house. There are children in the nearby area, and they shouldn’t have to be exposed to these types of businesses.”
The Hive being within the 150 meters of a playground, which is the requirement set by the municipality, was one concern.
Four Sons Off-Road Sign Incorporated owner Jeremy Wakulchyk, who will be located next door to Canna Cabana, raised his apprehensions regarding the proposed locations of both stores.
“The building is primarily a quiet office structure that has little to no parking for customers. The building is not even 100 per cent occupied, and yet there are daily issues with parking just for staff already, let alone a steady stream of customers on a regular basis,” he detailed. “My second concern is that the influx of the retail traffic will cause major security issues for my business as well as the other offices in the building... I truly believe the increased traffic, especially of the nature that traffic would be, poses a true and serious security risk for our business.”
