Thunderchild FN cannabis production site near Battleford moving ahead

He said Westleaf, based in Calgary, appreciates being able to partner with Thunderchild FN — the company’s largest shareholder.

Ethans said the Battleford-area production facility will be owned 100 per cent by Westleaf. The First Nation invested $8 million in the company and its chief, Delbert Wapass is on the company’s board.

The construction of the facility was started this past summer so it should be completed by the middle of 2019.

The firm had applied for federal approval through the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations program for the facility to become a licenced producer. Ethans said the facility will supply both medicinal and recreational cannabis.

Ethans said the firm has worked with the Town of Battleford to secure the appropriate development and building permits for the new production project.

As reported previously, the town approved a discretionary-use application for the cannabis grow operation in the highway commercial district at council in July.

He said the facility will be producing dried cannabis flower, so ultimately at full-scale production it could produce up to 15,000 kg. of cannabis flower per year.

The facility is expected to create about 150 jobs to help the local economy.

“The partnership between Westleaf and Thunderchild is really a natural fit,” Ethans said. “We both share the same values and vision for community, and are really looking forward to being able to create not just some jobs but some real career opportunities for all the members of the community of Thunderchild as well as the town of Battleford.”

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 11:10 PM on Sept. 28, 2018 to correct a typo.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

by Angela Brown

Thunderchild FN cannabis production site near Battleford moving ahead

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