The store will expand from 71.2 square metres to 137.8 square metres and take over the space that was formerly used by Bow Valley College in Banff

BANFF – Its doors may still be closed to the public, but that isn’t stopping a budding cannabis store from expanding.

Banff's municipal planning commission recently approved Fire & Flower’s application to nearly double the size of its retail premise in the lower level of Bear and Wolf Mall.

The changes mean the store will expand from 71.2 square metres to 137.8 square metres in size and take over the space that was formerly used by Bow Valley College.

David Michaels, a development planner for the Town of Banff, said the additional space didn’t affect any of the considerations previously approved by the planning commission under the Town’s land use bylaw.

Currently there are four cannabis retail locations in Banff with approved development permits, however all of them are still waiting to receive a licence from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis agency.

In contrast, a second cannabis store is expected to open in Canmore by the end of the month.

Fire & Flower acquired the original space from Starbuds earlier this spring.