A new cannabis warehouse will be coming to Hay River.
The NWT Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NTLCC) has selected Buffalo Parcel Courier Services to build the new facility, which is expected to cost around $300,000 according to an approved proposal request.
NNSL Media had requested an interview with the NTLCC to find out more, but was given written responses instead from the Department of Finance, which oversees the NTLCC based in Hay River.
Department spokesperson Toyeke Adedipe stated that the warehouse won't be open to the public. She did not provide a timeframe as to when the warehouse is expected to be operational.
The current location, which is also based in Hay River, requires a staging area space for the shipping and receiving of cannabis product and that the existing space being used was merely temporary until a permanent fixture was secured.
When it does open, Adedipe stated that it's expected to measure 1,800 sq. ft in size and will operate as a staging area for the commission to receive ordered cannabis products that will be shipped to locations around the territory.
As of now, there are six approved locations in the NWT: two in Yellowknife and one each in Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson and Norman Wells. ReLeaf NT is also the lone location where you're able to place mail orders.
Adedipe stated stores work with the NTLCC in determining what product is ultimately purchased for sale to the public.
Adedipe also stated that staffing will remain the same at the new warehouse and it will provide staff with additional room for managing the shipping operations for cannabis products. There was no indication of how many employees are working on-site.
Security at the new location will be determined using guidance from the federal government on what physical measures need to be in place, she added.