NORTH BATTLEFORD — A new cannabis dispensary, GrassBar, is on the horizon for North Battleford, set to open at the bustling Eagle's Landing. The venture, which promises to showcase Saskatchewan-made products from local companies, is generating mixed emotions within the community.
Mayor Kelli Hawtin welcomed the news, stating, “We’re always encouraged to see new business development in the city. From the beginning, the council has expressed a commitment to fostering growth, and this is one of those opportunities.”
However, Hawtin emphasized the importance of responsible placement for cannabis shops.
“Of course, there are parameters and a discretionary use application,” she explained. “We don’t want cannabis stores near recreational facilities, parks, libraries and schools. We want to ensure that our youth are not exposed to such establishments immediately after school.”
Nick Daigneault, mayor of the Northern Village of Beauval and chairperson of Beauval Development Inc., shared some of the journey getting to this point.
In May 2024, GrassBar formed a business partnership with Beauval Development Inc. in which GrassBar Cannabis and Meadow Vape began to pursue an opportunity for the community of Beauval.
“We had previously terminated a partnership with another group out of Prince Albert, that we felt was going nowhere,” said Daigneault.
“Our company was feeling a little defeated and lost in terms of direction,” Daigneault recounted. “But when the partners at GrassBar reached out, it reignited our momentum. In less than two months, we had our cannabis retail store ready for business by late June or early July.”
He praised the GrassBar team for their openness and efficiency, noting that the business has since operated successfully, contributing positively to the community.
Despite these positive developments, some locals express concern about the mushrooming presence of cannabis shops in North Battleford. Dale Whiteside, owner of Rockshop Cannabis, voiced his apprehension, stating, “I strongly believe that North Battleford does not want to be known as the city that’s oversaturated with cannabis and liquor stores. It paints a horrific image.”
He pointed out the existing competition, including three legal cannabis stores, with a fourth he considers illegal.
In response to these concerns, Mayor Hawtin reiterated, “These aren’t businesses with patrons consuming their products on-site. The impact on neighbourhoods is different than that of liquor establishments; it’s more of a retail store.”
