A new cannabis cultivation facility is coming to the Battlefords. Westleaf Cannabis is finishing its flagship cultivation facility on Thunderchild First Nation.
Once completed, the facility will be 130,000 square feet and is expected to produce an estimated 14,600 kg of dried cannabis flower per annum. Currently, phase one of construction will create 85,000 square feet and produce around 7,300 kg of dried cannabis flower. Phase two is expected to double the production capacity.
Now fully enclosed, construction is focusing on the interior. Construction began in the fall of 2018 and is expected to complete phase one in late September. CEO of Westleaf Cannabis, Scott Hurd, says Thunderchild First Nation has been pivotal in bringing the company’s vision to life and looks forward to continued partnership.
“It’s been an honour to partner with them and have their continued support. The goal of this project is, ultimately, to create as many high-quality job opportunities for the Thunderchild and other First Nation communities across Saskatchewan,” says Hurd.
Hurd estimates that at full capacity the facility will employ upwards of 150 people from the local community. This facility is part of the company’s vertically integrated strategy to cultivate, produce derivative products from, and sell through wholly-owned distribution channels across western Canada.
The company’s first retail location is open in Warman, Sask. with two more slated to open in Saskatoon this spring.