Pubdate: Fri, 03 Jan 2014
Source: Coast Reporter (CN BC)
Section: Front Page
Copyright: 2014 Coast Reporter
Contact:  http://www.coastreporter.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/580
Author: John Gleeson

MEDPOT FACILITY PROPOSED FOR PORT MELLON

An industrial property in the Port Mellon area could be the site of a
large-scale medical marijuana production facility if the Sunshine
Coast Regional District (SCRD) board approves the property owner's
application for a zoning bylaw amendment.

Richnor Recycling Ltd. is proposing a 12,000-square-foot
(1,080-square-metre) medical marijuana grow operation that would be
spread out over four to five floors in an existing building on
Horsethief Road, south of Hillside Industrial Park.

The 1.9-hectare property is isolated from residential neighbourhoods,
includes adequate setbacks and is currently being used as a mechanical
repair shop for heavy equipment, an office and warehouse, staff
reported at the SCRD's Dec. 19 planning and development committee meeting.

The owner has indicated that electricity, water and a security fence
are already in place on the four lots comprising the total property
area, staff told the committee.

The proposed bylaw amendment would add marijuana production facility
as a permitted use for the property, which is zoned I5B.

Staff noted that marijuana production, "provided all regulations are
adhered to, will likely have lower impact than many of the uses"
allowed within the I5B zone, which include wood processing, auto
wrecking, log booming and sorting, sand and gravel processing, and
animal processing.

The SCRD is currently considering a draft bylaw that would permit
medical marijuana production only in Hillside Industrial Park (I7
zone) and rural lots in the RU2 and RU3 zones that are eight hectares
(19.8 acres) or more.

In their report to the committee, planner Andrew Allen and planning
technician Lesley Ann Staats said the I5B zone was not included in the
draft bylaw because some of the parcels are relatively close to
residential lots in Williamson Landing.

"If other I5B-zoned properties are to be considered for medical
marijuana processing uses, they can be considered on their own merits,
complete with an analysis," the report said.

The Richnor property, the report said, is similar to Hillside's
industrial lots, containing existing buildings and surrounded by
industrial uses. The application was also deemed consistent with the
Twin Creek official community plan.

"Planning staff believe there is scope to support moving this
application to first reading and consultation," the report concluded.

The committee recommended first reading of the bylaw amendment, while
referring it for comment to the West Howe Sound advisory planning
commission (APC), Squamish and Sechelt First Nations, and the Ministry
of Transportation and Infrastructure.

A public information meeting will be held prior to consideration of
second reading.

While the property is located within Squamish Nation territory, board
chair Garry Nohr suggested the application be shared with Sechelt
Nation as well, saying there had been requests to establish medical
marijuana facilities on Band lands.

The committee also agreed to provide the APC and public with details
on federal regulations under the new medical marijuana program that
takes effect April 1.

Gibsons alternate director Lee Ann Johnson said it was important for
people to understand the security measures and other requirements
mandated by Health Canada for commercial production facilities that
are licensed under the program.

Health Canada's website lists three licensed producers authorized
under the new system.  
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D