Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jun 2014
Source: Standard, The (St. Catharines, CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 St. Catharines Standard
Contact: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/letters
Website: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/676
Author: Suzanne Mason
Page: A5

CHANGES IN WIND FOR MEDICINAL MARIJUANA GROWERS

Bylaw changes for medicinal marijuana facilities received preliminary
approval from town council this week.

The changes would involve site plan controls for greenhouses and their
proximity to properties where residents might be adversely affected by
the marijuana crop.

There were no comments from residents at a public meeting Monday on
the proposed amendments to the zoning and site plan bylaws recommended
by planning staff.

The community and development advisory committee voted to require
marijuana greenhouses larger than 10,000 square feet to be subject to
site plan control.

Currently, the town's site plan legislation only regulates greenhouses
over 20,000 square feet.

"This mechanism allows the town to hold financial security until all
site works are finished and maintained, including mitigation measures
for noise and odour," staff reported.

Staff also recommended several requirements be met if the property is
located near a sensitive land use area that would include residential
properties, day-care centres, churches, schools and
playgrounds.

The marijuana-growing facilities would have to be at least 70 metres
from those properties with a buffer strip of land and additional
provisions for security fencing.

Coun. Jamie King said he has been approached by several residents
regarding "the intrusion of these facilities." He said their concerns
include esthetics, security and possible impact on property values.

"Time will tell how smoothly this federally-regulated business will
roll out in our country," he said.

Lord Mayor Dave Eke called the new operations "very viable, healthy,
job-related businesses" and said he felt guidelines in the proposed
bylaw amendments showed sensitivity to local residents.

The committee's recommendation goes to council next week for final
approval.

Licenses for medicinal marijuana facilities are granted by Health
Canada, but applicants are required to notify the local municipality,
police and fire departments about their proposals.