Sign our petition - Bring Retail Cannabis to Winkler & Steinbach!

• Posted on 11 March 2026
• By Flamingo Plus
• 0

This initiative is about more than just opening storefronts; it is about updating local policy to reflect nearly a decade of real-world data and community evolution. Since 2018, the landscape of legal cannabis has changed dramatically, and it is time for Winkler and Steinbach to have a say based on facts rather than uncertainty.

Here is everything you need to know about the Rematch Manitoba petition and how you can help shape the future of your community.

The Context: Why Now?

In 2018, both Steinbach and Winkler voted to prohibit licensed cannabis retail. At that time, federal legalization was brand new, market data did not exist, and stigma was high.

Today, we have six years of economic, legal, and public health evidence. Under Manitoba’s Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act, local councils have a specific window (October 28, 2025, to July 28, 2026) to revisit these decisions. Our goal is to provide the necessary community pressure to ensure these councils move forward with a resolution for legal retail.

The Core Arguments for Change

The TobaGrown Rematch Manitoba effort is built on five pillars of evidence:

• Economic Opportunity: Cannabis has added $76 billion to Canada’s GDP and supports nearly 98,000 jobs. Legal retail reduces storefront vacancies and keeps investment dollars within the community.

• Public Safety: Prohibiting local stores does not stop cannabis use; it simply forces residents to travel or rely on unregulated black markets. Legal stores ensure strict age verification and tested product quality.

• Policy Consistency: Both towns currently permit the sale of alcohol and tobacco. Applying the same evidence-based logic to cannabis ensures fair and consistent governance.

• Democratic Integrity: Public opinion has shifted. In 2019, only 37% of consumers bought legally. By 2025, that number hit 71.7%. A new vote allows a new generation of voters to voice their stance.

• Local Control: Legalizing retail does not mean a "free for all." It empowers the city council to create thoughtful frameworks for zoning, location, and operating hours.

Petition Requirements: What You Need to Know

This is a formal legal process, which means there are strict requirements for a signature to be considered valid.

1. The Numbers

To present a successful case to the city councils, we must hit the following targets within a 90-day window:

• Winkler: 1800 signatures

• Steinbach: 3300 signatures

2. The Format (No Digital Signatures)

By law, this petition must be done on paper. Digital signatures or online clicks will not count toward the official total. You must physically sign the document in person.

3. Eligibility

To sign the petition, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a registered voter.

• You must reside within the city limits of Winkler or Steinbach.

• Your residency will be verified via your postal code.

4. The Timeline

The signature collection effort officially begins on March 30th. We have roughly three months to reach our goals for both municipalities.

Where to Sign

Flamingo+ is proud to be a primary partner in this effort. You can find the physical petition sheets at the following locations:

• Flamingo+ Winkler

• Flamingo+ Steinbach

• Select Community Events: Keep an eye on our social channels for announcements regarding specific events where our team will be on-site to collect signatures.

A Note on Community Leadership

As Jesse Lavoie, founder of TobaGrown, states:

"Today, after six years of proven public health data, billions in economic impact, and overwhelming consumer preference for legal sources, the case for change is undeniable. It’s time for these communities to move forward, embracing fairness, economic opportunity, and the rights of Manitobans."

This effort is not about forcing a mandate; it is about empowering local citizens to lead with facts. If you believe it is time for Winkler and Steinbach to join the rest of Manitoba in having safe, regulated access to cannabis, come visit us starting March 30th.