A Calgary-based entrepreneur's decision to focus on Sundre for a proposal to build a 42,000-square-foot medicinal cannabis production facility could potentially represent several dozen permanent and well-compensated full-time jobs for the community.
A Calgary-based entrepreneur's decision to focus on Sundre for a proposal to build a 42,000-square-foot medicinal cannabis production facility could potentially represent several dozen permanent and well-compensated full-time jobs for the community.
If all goes according to plans outlined by Candre Cannabis, Sundre will become the newest municipality in the region to benefit substantially from companies that are stepping up to provide a supply for a growing demand for medicinal cannabis. Click here and here for related coverage.
The cost of the proposed project, which would be built in the light industrial district just south of the West View Coop Cardlock, is estimated to reach as high as approximately $20 million. That sum includes expenses such as purchasing the land, building the structure, buying all of the required equipment, as well as hiring, wages and operating costs, said the company's president Jesse Beaudry.
From the beginning, Beaudry said his sights were firmly fixed on Sundre, which he has frequently visited over the years. Part of his company's name, Candre, is even a combination of cannabis and Sundre.
“Right from the beginning, we landed on Sundre,” he said.
“It's an amazing area, quite frankly.”
Last week, his company filed paperwork with the Town of Sundre to apply for a development permit, and provided there are no unexpected hang-ups, he anticipates that shovels could be in the ground this spring and that the facility could be operational before next winter.
But the entrepreneur is first and foremost committed to earning the community's trust by pursuing a path of open dialogue and transparency.
“We are about proving ourselves and earning the respect of the community. We want to deliver results, not just words,” he said in a telephone interview.
“If we don't earn the respect of the community, we won't get the social licence to operate.”
To that end, a public open house and job fair has been scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, March 27 at the Sundre Community Centre to offer residents an opportunity to come meet Beaudry and some of his team members in person as well as to learn more about the proposed project, express concerns or perhaps even voice support. Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting is encouraged to contact him at 403-389-4689, or alternatively by emailing [email protected].
“We're extremely proud of the company, and we're so excited to be working with the Town of Sundre — we welcome phone calls and we want them,” he said.
“We're happy to hear it all. We will work hard to earn the respect of the community. I know those are just words, but that is our intent.”
People have a right to be skeptical, but Beaudry optimistically expressed confidence that given the chance, his company will rise to meet — if not exceed —the community's expectations. After all, submitting paperwork is one thing, but earning the community's approval is another.
“It is our hope that the community is supportive and that we can advance with the project.”
This proposed multi-million-dollar development is nothing less than monumental for a small town like Sundre, and I certainly hope residents will be receptive — and that those who perhaps are not convinced take the time to learn more about the arduous regulatory processes that must be adhered to.
