A new cannabis retail store will not be launching at the Prince George Airport (YXS), as planned.
Cloudbreak Cannabis, formerly known as Copilot Cannabis, was expected to be the world’s first cannabis retail store operating in an airport terminal.
The new store was anticipated to open to domestic travellers and the public in spring 2023.
However, the venture won't see lift-off as Cloudbreak Cannabis recently announced that they would not be signing a lease or beginning construction, citing changing market conditions.
“We had planned to announce the start of construction in the airport this fall, and are both surprised and disappointed at the change in plans,” Prince George Airport Authority’s CEO Gordon Duke said.
“We’ve worked closely with our airport partners and the owners of Cloudbreak Cannabis since they approached us with their business plan three years ago. The owners had met all of their regulatory requirements and were set to begin construction this year.”
Duke added, “The Prince George Airport has been a leader in airport innovation since 1945, and we were excited about being the first airport terminal in the world to welcome a cannabis retail tenant. We expect that other airports will consider cannabis retail in the future.”
He cited other examples of innovation including the PGAA’s partnership with Firemedix to provide live fire training at YXS, development of a trial apiary, participation in three federal technology tests through Innovative Solutions Canada, and launch of Eduroam to enable travelling students to access all of their online school resources at the airport.
The end of the potential lease agreement with Cloudbreak Cannabis means that there is a prime, vacant space available at the Prince George Airport, noted Duke.
YXS is now looking for interested businesses who may want to take over the spot as nonaeronautical revenue helps to support the airport’s operations and the economic growth of the region.
“This is a perfect opportunity for another successful business to serve the Prince George community and enhance the experience of travellers at YXS,” said Duke.
