A controversial application for a cannabis store near UBC received final approval last week from the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) Board of Directors.

The application will now move on to the LCRB, the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, which oversees private retail cannabis licences in the province. 

The application for the Burb Cannabis had long received pushback from some in the community who argued such a store didn’t fit the neighbourhood and would put students at risk. However, a Metro Vancouver committee voted to approve the application earlier this month, sending it on to the MVRD Board for the final decision.

“We’re thrilled to cap off our 8th licence with today’s approval by the Metro Van board and look forward to calming the concerns of those in the area by being responsible operators and members of the local community,” said John Kaye, Co-founder, CEO, and creative director at Burb on June 24.

Kaye says the store expects to open before Christmas.

Featured image of the Coquitlam Burb. Image via Google Maps