Cannabis production plant to be built in Elk Point

Spring is bringing new beginnings to Elk Point. Look for construction on a cannabis production plant and for a grand opening of a paving company’s shop, as well as a rejuvenated Economic Development Committee.

The Town of Elk Point and Lakeland Cannabis Corporation (LCC) have signed a real estate contract for 35 acres along the north end of the industrial subdivision for $1.

LCC plans to construct a 29 000 ft² building in which to produce recreational cannabis. To begin, it is expected that the facility will employ 10-12 workers. The highly secure, highly regulated facility will include a state-of-the-art laboratory with qualified chemists regularly analyzing the product. It will not include a retail outlet. There is potential for up to 100 full-time workers.

Elk Point CAO, Ken Gwozdz, is assured that the current town infrastructure can handle the expected increase in demand for water and sewer.

Variable speed pumps installed in 2018, the regional water supply, and the Elk new lagoon are all capable of handling increased loads. LCC will be responsible to build a sewer trunk line from the production facility to the lagoon.

The company is in the process of obtaining licenses and having engineering done, but Gwozdz expects the public to see action at the site by the end of April.

Other growth for Elk Point is a paving company that will move from Bonnyville to take advantage of the appealing tax structure and the more central location for its business. The company has purchased an industrial shop and is awaiting approval of licence applications. Already established in the area, the company employs five full-time workers and fifteen part-time workers.

The recently formed Economic Development Committee (EDC) held its first meeting on February 28. The committee plans to do a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to guide the town in attracting more businesses.

Also, to assist with economic development in the Elk Point/St. Paul region the Government of Alberta has approved a grant of $150,000.

Gwozdz is enthusiastic about the direction of the economy, and says “the town is open for business.”