Cannabis producer Tilray closing Nanaimo offices and cultivation facility after merger
A major cannabis producer on Vancouver Island is closing its Nanaimo office and cultivation facility, citing "operational efficiencies" after a recent merger.
Tilray has been a major employer in Nanaimo since 2014, but the company's recent merger with fellow cannabis giant Aphria has left it looking to "optimize operational efficiencies," according to a statement from Tilray.
"By focusing local cultivation and manufacturing at the remaining sites across Canada, Tilray will be able to operate more efficiently, save costs, and deliver the highest-quality products to its patients and consumers all while driving growth and shareholder value," the company said.
The closure of the Nanaimo facility will happen in phases, and Tilray expects it to be completed by spring.
The company's remaining operations on Vancouver Island will be concentrated in its Broken Coast subsidiary.
"We will work with employees interested in transitioning and seeking opportunities at our nearby facility at Broken Coast," the company said.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog issued his own statement in response to Tilray's departure, saying he is "very disappointed."
"We are mindful that employees and others will be seriously impacted by the closures," Krog said. "However, I am confident that given our demand for industrial lands, Nanaimo will welcome a new and significant employer soon."
In addition to Broken Coast, Tilray and Aphria have three other cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facilities in Canada, all in Ontario, as well as operations in Portugal and Germany.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.