Altona has been selected by the Manitoba government as one of seven rural communities that will have a retail cannabis store.

This is part of the government's plan to have a cannabis outlet within a 30-minute drive of 90 percent of the population.

"Following the federal government’s decision to legalize non-medical cannabis, we have implemented a system that allows private retailers to do what they do best while balancing public health and safety priorities," says Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen. "We are reaffirming our commitment to a competitive retail system and look forward to advancing new commercial opportunities as the industry matures."

Pedersen notes the Manitoba government has been working with local governments to ensure they have ‘fair say’ and are onboard with the proposed retail locations. While municipalities control where cannabis stores are located in their communities, the province plays a supportive role to answer questions and outline options available, including reviewing how close the stores may be to schools, houses of worship and community centres, at the municipality’s request.

Other communities on the list are Niverville, Lac du Bonnet, Virden, Swan River, Flin Flon and the RM of Russell-Binscarth.

The retailers will be chosen from a list of close to 100 pre-qualified applicants who submitted proposals last year.