New NSLC cannabis store for region

The Barrington Passage NSLC is on list of 14 new cannabis stores to be opened by the end of the next fiscal year (March

31, 2021), more than doubling the number of outlets in the province.

New cannabis stores will be located in Annapolis Royal, Baddeck, Barrington Passage, Berwick, Elmsdale, Glace Bay, Liverpool, Mahone Bay, Bedford (Mill Cove), Port Hawkesbury, Sydney Mines, Dartmouth (Tacoma Drive), Tantallon and Tatamagouche.

In the tri-counties, there is already an NSLC cannabis store in Yarmouth. Digby County does not have a cannabis store location at an NSLC.

Renovations for the new stores will begin as soon as possible, said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Karen Casey when making the announcement on Feb. 14. Some of the new locations will be ready this fall.

The stores were selected based on geographic location, space to accommodate a cannabis store and the ability to renovate the stores cost effectively. The new outlets will range in size from 200 square feet for the smaller stores to 400 square feet for the larger stores. Tantallon is the largest, which will have a 1,000 square-foot store.

The additional cannabis stores are being opened to address geographical gaps and to better combat the illicit market, says the province. Recent NSLC research showed that one of the reasons customers are buying from the illicit market is because there is no cannabis store in their area.

“We have said all along that we will move slowly and safely and need to be socially responsible and we are ready to take the next step,” said Casey. “We have recognized that online sales so far have not addressed areas of the province where there was a gap and it is apparent that new customers want the in-store experience. We feel that opening more stores is the most effective way to deal with the illicit market, protect our children and keep communities safe.”

A request for proposals is expected to be issued in April.

People can also order cannabis through NSLC online.