Pubdate: Wed, 26 Mar 2014
Source: Alberni Valley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Glacier Community Media
Contact:  http://www.avtimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4043
Author: Scott McKenzie
Page: 3

MEDICAL POT IS UP FOR DEBATE IN ACRD AREAS

Residents of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District are invited to
attend a public hearing regarding the possible allowing of medical
marijuana facilities in electoral areas.

The hearing takes place on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the ACRD district
office on Fifth Avenue in Port Alberni.

ACRD chief administrative officer Russell Dyson said the bylaw is to
prepare for changes to the production of medical marijuana coming from
Ottawa.

"With the changes in the rules by the federal government, it's
something that we have to prepare for and address," Dyson said. "Along
with other municipalities and regional districts across the province,
we're just ensuring that our land use regulations reflect [the new
rules]."

Dyson said there have been inquiries from different parties interested
in building medical marijuana production facilities in the regional
district's electoral areas, "but nothing for certain."

According to ACRD manager of planning and development Mike Irg, the
regional district has been notified by health Canada, which issues the
licences for medical marijuana production facilities, that
applications have been received to build facilities in the regional
district.

Irg, however, could not say where the applicants are wishing to build
those facilities if this bylaw is passed. That would happen in April,
at the earliest.

The hearing Thursday night will consider the zoning text amendment to
allow Medical Marihuana Facilities in the Small Holdings (A1)
District, Rural (A2) District, Forest Rural (A3) District, Forest
Reserve (A4) District and Industrial Park (M1) District provided that
the facilities are located on a lot that is 1.62 hectares (four acres)
or greater in area and that the facilities are located a minimum of
30.48 metres from all lot lines.

Anyone interested can inspect the bylaw and relevant background
documents at the ACRD office during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays, from
March 17 to 27.

Those who consider his or her interest in property affected by the
proposed bylaw will be given an opportunity to be heard at Thursday
night's hearing.
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MAP posted-by: Matt