In the first four days of legal cannabis, sales in the NWT totalled approximately $129,600.
When cannabis was legalized across Canada on Oct. 17, it became available through five NWT liquor stores (Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, Norman Wells and Fort Simpson) as well as online through the Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission's online sales platform.
Of the total sales, approximately $10,900 was online.
In an Oct. 25 news release, the GNWT said supply problems are not the result of the NWT's retail operations, but rather are caused by a shortage from licensed suppliers challenged to meet the initial demand.
The GNWT is working to identify additional licensed suppliers who may be able to provide product in addition to what is available from its three main sources – High Park Company, Canopy Growth and Aurora.
"While cannabis supply issues have presented some initial challenges, it is important to remember that this is a new industry that has been established in a very short period of time," stated Finance Minister Robert C. McLeod.
Free skating for anyone in costume
The Town of Hay River will be offering a Spooky Skate from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the Hay River Rec Centre.
The public skate will be free for anyone in a Halloween costume.
Courtoreille Street still seeing changes
Improvements are still being made to Courtoreille Street, which reopened on Oct. 2 as a one-way street after a water main replacement with larger sidewalks and new paving.
Line painting was done last week and extra signs were added to advise motorists that it is now a one-way street.
Earle Dumas, the town's director of projects and planning, also told council on Oct. 23 that lampposts are due to arrive in the first week of November.
Free French courses coming in November
The Association Franco-Culturelle de Hay River will be once again offering its free French courses to people of all skill levels in the language.
Classes will start in the first week of November and run to mid- December.
Days and hours are still to be determined.
Interested people can register at afchr@franco-nord.com.