Gurpreet:

Welcome to the Punjabi Market Walking Tour. If you're continuing from part 1 of the tour, which was along the West side of Main Street, then welcome back.
If you're just getting your tour started, then welcome to part 2 of our tour along the East side of Main Street

We’ve got a few things to discuss here on this corner before we continue our stroll. Further down Main St. past Oxygen Yoga, next to Naz’s Pharmacy is a shop called Dank Mart. We can’t see it from here, you would have to walk a bit further down the road, but it’s worth pointing out because the relocation of many of the original businesses provided opportunities for new types of businesses to open their doors in the Punjabi Market.

THC Canada was opened by Spenser Sangara and Amin Shahin Shakur in 2016.

In October 2018, when cannabis was legalized in Canada, Spenser and Amin decided to create a unique snack shop to complement their dispensary. They wanted to make this block a one-stop-shop for cannabis lovers. Dank Mart was born at 6418 Main St!

Hundreds of people lined up during the April 2020 opening. Folks of all ages from across the greater Vancouver area were excited to try out the exclusive treats. Their shop includes snacks and sodas that are extremely hard to find. Many are imported from international destinations. There is also branded clothing, shoes, smoking, accessories, and art. Since the opening, Dank Mart has attracted people from all over BC to the area, increasing the foot traffic within Punjabi Market.

Unfortunately, we as a community lost Shahin Shakur, who was killed when his life was tragically taken behind the store location. He is survived by a daughter and partner, while his business partner Spenser has continued to run the businesses in honour of his best friend. With all of its success, Dank Mart has also expanded with a second location in Downtown Vancouver on Robson Street.

After the death of Shahin, The Snackie Chan Foundation was launched, with proceeds of certain purchases from THC and Dank Mart going towards the foundation. The goal is to build safe recreational areas for youth in Vancouver and programs to reduce violence on the streets.