(File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Cannabis Shop

Second cannabis store opening up in Nipawin

May 11, 2022 | 2:55 PM

Nipawin is getting a second cannabis store.

The town’s council met earlier in the week where they approved Reds Cannabis’ application to set up shop around the intersection of First Ave West and First Street West.

Not everyone is happy as FN Cannabis believe the community isn’t big enough to support multiple stores.

However, Paras Patel, who’ll be the owner and manager of Red Cannabis’ store, told northeastNOW he doesn’t believe this claim.

“It will cover all the surrounding small towns, so I think it’s pretty big.”

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He noted their studies suggest there are around 10,000 in all the communities combined, more than enough to support multiple locations.

Another issue brought up by FN Cannabis was the location. Their store is on First Ave West, close to Reds Cannabis’ approved location.

Patel argued against this point as well, adding there aren’t a lot of spots they could have opened up due to strict rules.

He also noted it wouldn’t be the first time two competing stores were close to each other.

“If you look at McDonald’s you’ll see some other burger franchise just across. If you see a Shell gas station, you’ll see Esso or any other gas station just across.

The plan is to open their doors sometime by the end of the summer.

Meanwhile, at least one resident is happy to see another store open up.

Laurie Kratochvil believes there should always be at least two businesses that offer the same service.

“One store of any kind is a bad idea. Competition keeps prices down and keeps store owners honest.”

She also highlighted the benefit the store could have on the local economy as cannabis is a multi-billion sector.

Even if it wasn’t a cannabis shop, Kratochvil is happy to see something new open.

“Nipawin could use more businesses.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow