Pubdate: Mon, 22 Dec 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: Ray Spiteri
Page: A1

'Residents deserve to have their voices heard'

Councillor unhappy with way pot proposal dealt with, mayor says proper
guidelines followed

Residents and councillors should have been given more information
about two medical marijuana applications that went before the city's
committee of adjustment, says Coun. Carolynn Ioannoni.

While public notices were posted about the committee meeting, it was
described as being for the consideration of a "nursery for the growing
of trees, shrubs and plants." There was no specific mention of medical
marijuana, which Ioannoni said was deceiving.

"Had it said medical marijuana use, you would have had 1,000 people
downstairs (at city hall) in committee of adjustment. But at least
that would have been open and transparent."

Ioannoni said now that more residents know the full story, she expects
they will want to speak at the next council meeting in January.

"Absolutely this has to come to council. The residents deserve to have
their voices heard."

Ioannoni said she feels the city "didn't follow our own rules" by
having the matter go to the committee for zoning variances for the
former Redpath Sugar plant on Garner Rd. and the former Kimberly-Clark
factory on Victoria Ave.

She said according to a November 2013 staff report, if such an
application is made for a property outside of agricultural land -
which these applications were - it should come before council for a
zoning amendment and possibly an Official Plan amendment.

City clerk Dean Iorfida said a more thorough staff review, however,
found a nursery is permitted in light industrial zones and the
definition of nurser y is broad enough to encompass a legal grow operatio
n.

The former Red path property and some CN lands behind the Via Station
fall "somewhere between" light industrial and general industrial,
according to staff. Iorfida said he assumes that's why the proponents
may have needed to go before the committee of adjustment to add the
nursery use.

Ioannoni said she's not anti medical marijuana and understands "it's a
legal use" and can be "effective for so many different illnesses."

"But I anticipated them to be out in agricultural areas, not abutting
residential homes.

"My concern is these buildings need to be fortified with high fences =C2=85

surveillance cameras, motion detectors. I understand why, but should
kids be walking by that?"

Mayor Jim Diodati said approvals given at the committee meeting were
done properly, that the municipality followed the proper guidelines,
and that "nothing improper or illegal took place."

"The applicants followed the regular course of action that was
required."

Diodati said he expects appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board and
sympathizes with nearby residents who have concerns.

"It 's important that people understand that the committee of
adjustment deals with planning variances, not whether they like
medical marijuana or not. Also, it's ultimately up to the federal
government whether to grant licences for these facilities. This is a
long way off. It's the first step in many steps for a medical
marijuana business. The federal approval process is very cumbersome
and arduous. I understand there are thousands of applications for a
handful of permits."

Diodati said he supports medical marijuana because it's a "necessary
treatment for sick people, including cancer patients."

"I am concerned about different locations for (medical marijuana
facilities). I very much empathize with neighbours who are concerned
with this type of business in close proximity to them. A lot of
questions need to be answered and I'm sure we will get those answers.
This is the first step in a long journey."
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MAP posted-by: Matt