Photo: Colton Davies

The company behind a $22-million medical cannabis factory in Princeton only broke ground this week, but it is already planning framework for expansion.

BC Green Pharmaceuticals has purchased two more lots from the Town of Princeton in the community's industrial park.

The newly-bought properties are next to the three lots the company has already owns, on David Browne Way, where a 109,000-square-foot facility is being built.

Princeton Mayor Frank Armitage said a formal sod turning event took place at the site on Wednesday — the same day cannabis became legal across Canada.

Armitage said BC Green has no immediate plans to develop the two newly-purchased industrial lots, noting the purchase is part of their progression plan for expansion.

"They are extremely professional in their pursuits and well qualified in their business ventures," Armitage said. 

Phase one of construction is expected to be complete in the spring of 2019, which will include a 79,000-square-foot "advanced indoor facility." All three phases of work will likely be done by early 2020, which will also include a 20,000-square-foot research facility and a 10,000-square-foot extraction lab.

The company is said to be employing 40-50 people during construction, and once complete the facility is expected to generate 195 full time jobs. 

BC Green couldn't immediately be reached for comment.