Pubdate: Fri, 20 Jun 2014
Source: Niagara Falls Review, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 Niagara Falls Review
Contact: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/letters
Website: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2907
Author: Suzanne Mason
Page: A3

CHANGES IN WIND FOR NOTL 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. Licences 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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom