The prospective owner cannabis store owner is still early in the application process. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

marijuana

Second pot shop could open in La Ronge

Feb 25, 2022 | 2:11 PM

A new cannabis retail store could soon open in La Ronge.

At a regular town meeting this week, council discussed a letter it received from Saskatoon’s Paras Patel. The letter states he currently owns Reds Cannabis stores in Rosthern and Shellbrook, and he would like to apply for a retail cannabis permit for La Ronge.

To receive such a permit, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority requires an approval letter from the town. Patel, who declined an interview with larongeNOW at this time, noted in the letter he currently doesn’t have a location identified but will do so at a later stage in the application.

“We believe in giving back to the community,” Patel wrote to council. “We actively participate in town improvement projects and join hands with town office or local not-for-profit organizations.”

Council will wait to make a decision on the request as administration gathers more details. Both Councillors Joe Hordyski and Ryan Veteri mentioned they wouldn’t want to stand in the way of such a business opening in La Ronge.

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

open house

Surplus forecasted for 2026 La Ronge operating budget

Nov 17, 2025

“I don’t think the impact of it, whether there is one business or two, is going to be that negative on our community and I don’t see where we can legally stand in the way of that,” Hordyski said.

Veteri agreed with Hordyski’s statement.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Veteri said. “Plus allowing kind of a monopoly for one business in the community, I don’t think it a great idea.”

La Ronge is currently served by one marijuana dispensary which has been operating since May 2019.

Coun. Matthew Klassen mentioned he’s not against another business opening, but he would like to make sure any council decisions align with town policies and bylaws.

“I do believe part of the alcohol strategy policy and bylaws that were put in place limit the amount the town would allow for both alcohol serving areas and/or establishments and cannabis,” he said.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno