Winnipeg Group Fights to Overturn Cannabis Retail Ban in Winkler

BREAKING: A Winnipeg-based advocacy group, TobaGrown, is making urgent moves to overturn the cannabis retail ban in the cities of Winkler and Steinbach. Despite cannabis legalization across Canada in 2018, these municipalities have opted out, leaving residents without access to retail cannabis.

Jesse Lavoie, founder of TobaGrown, presented his case to Winkler’s city council on September 23, emphasizing the need to revisit the decision made in 2018 when Winkler and Steinbach overwhelmingly voted against cannabis stores. “There was no real-time data back then on legalization because it had just happened,” Lavoie stated, advocating for a fresh evaluation of public sentiment.

Winkler’s city manager, Jody Penner, confirmed that if the council approves, a plebiscite will be held during the next municipal election in October 2026. This could be a pivotal moment for cannabis reform in the region, as the city has already reached out to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority (LGCA) for the necessary resolution wording.

In contrast, Steinbach has already denied a plebiscite motion as per an August 19 council resolution. Lavoie is not deterred; he plans to launch a petition to gather support for reversing the ban. “We need over 3,000 signatures to make this happen, which is no small feat,” he admitted, acknowledging the challenges ahead.

The petition process is set to begin in March, following LGCA approval of the petition’s wording. Lavoie emphasized the urgency, stating that from the moment the first signature is collected, there will be a tight 90-day window to gather the remaining signatures.

This movement is more than just about cannabis; it represents a broader push for local governance and community choice. As the landscape for cannabis products continues to evolve across Canada, TobaGrown’s efforts highlight the growing demand for access in regions still holding onto past restrictions.

With both Winkler and Steinbach residents eager for change, the next few months will be critical. Will the council act to put this issue back in the hands of the people? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.