Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jun 2014
Source: Metro (Ottawa, CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 Metro
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Ottawa
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4032
Author: Lucy Scholey
Page: 4

MEDICAL MARIJUANA. COMPANY CLASHES WITH CITY OVER BUFFER ZONES

A medical-marijuana company is disputing what it calls "excessive"
buffer zones laid out in a city bylaw regulating grow-ops.

Cannabis Canada Medical Inc. is appealing the zoning amendment to the
Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) on the grounds that the required
150-metre setback is "onerous."

According to the appeal, the noise and odour issues do not require
that large a buffer zone, because the smells will be contained, the
building will be well insulated and growing plants is a quiet process.

Most other regions in Ontario only require a setback of 50 to 100
metres, the appeal reads.

City councillors voted in favour of the bylaw zoning amendment on Feb.
26, allowing licensed medical-marijuana grow-ops to set up shop in
certain industrial zones within the city and set back from
neighbourhoods.

Several residents, including the head of the Katimavik Hazeldean
Community Association (KHCA), have previously voiced concerns about
security and buffer zones.

In a letter to city council, Cannabis Canada Medical Inc. president
Peter Crowe said that the bylaw amendment also does not consider the
range of pot-production-plant sizes. He argues that it's slanted
towards large-scale facilities.

The OMB hearing will be Aug. 28.
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MAP posted-by: Matt