The Memorial Avenue location was revealed in October, but is not yet approved.

THUNDER BAY — Until Dec. 12, Thunder Bay residents have an opportunity to comment on the appropriateness of establishing a cannabis store in a strip mall at 1082 Memorial Avenue.

A 15-day public notice period started late last week for the numbered Ontario corporation that's applied to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for the local licence.

The AGCO will consider comments that relate to:

protecting public health and safety

protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis

preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis

After the public notice period ends, the applicant will get a copy of any submissions and will have five days to respond to the AGCO.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission will then make a decision on whether to authorize a retail store on Memorial Avenue opposite Intercity Shopping Centre.

Tokyo Smoke, a subsidiary of cannabis company Canopy Growth, has partnered with the local applicant.

The Smiths Falls-based company has entered into an agreement with five retailers across Ontario that have progressed to key, public stages in the licensing process.

In a statement, Tokyo Smoke said the outlets will be owned and operated by independent business owners supported by the company's existing retail team "to ensure a consistent high level of customer experience and product curation."

CEO Mark Zekulin said "Increasing our presence in Toronto and for the first time north of the GTA is an important step to continuing the growth of the Tokyo Smoke brand and providing Ontarians with easy access to the education and high quality cannabis retail experiences they seek."

Once the five additional Tokyo Smoke locations are open, Canopy will have 32 retail banners across Canada, with more to follow throughout 2020.