Pubdate: Wed, 07 May 2014 Source: Meaford Express, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2014 Metroland Media Group Ltd. Contact: http://www.simcoe.com/meaford-on/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4855 Author: Chris Fell MEAFORD COUNCIL ADOPTS MEDICINAL GROW-OP CONTROL BYLAW The Municipality of Meaford has adopted an interim control bylaw for medicinal marijuana grow operations. Meaford council at its regular meeting on Monday, April 28 approved an interim control bylaw that will regulate the location of such operations until formal planning policies can be implemented. The issue turned out to be contentious and was narrowly approved by council in a 4-3 recorded vote. During the debate on the matter several councillors referred to a specific medicinal marijuana grow operation in Meaford that plans to make an application. However, there was no specific information given about the proponent or the operation's proposed location. Several councillors were concerned that an interim control bylaw would stifle the upcoming application and put a damper on a potential new industry in the local area. "What are the risks we might be facing?" councillors James McIntosh asked, questioning the need for an interim bylaw. Director of Planning and Building Rob Armstrong explained the interim control bylaw allows planning staff to study the issue and recommend formal planning policies to govern the location of medicinal marijuana grow operations. He said currently the municipality has no formal policies to regulate that land use. "The purpose of the study is to look at where this usage should go. What zones, what should the setbacks be, what is the process," Armstrong explained. "We'll have the study done in a couple of months and then we can bring forward new policies and lift the freeze," he said. Councillor Mike Poetker said it is imperative for the municipality to develop policies to govern such a land use. Poetker said he was contacted by a neighbour of the proposed grow operation that is opposed to its location. "Does that not make it our responsibility to investigate and prepare our bylaws for this new industry?" asked Poetker. After an attempt to defer the interim bylaw for two weeks failed, council approved it in a 4-3 recorded vote. Councillors Poetker, Deborah Young, Lynda Stephens and Mayor Francis Richardson supported the bylaw. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom