Retraction: The Echo apologizes for an error made in the Oct. 2 edition (Councillor tables cannabis interim control bylaw, p.3). We made an error in referring to properties on Concession 6 Nottawasaga. The buyers of the property say they have no intention of growing cannabis. With the correct licensing, cannabis is a legal crop and can be grown on agricultural lands within Clearview Township.
At the next council meeting on Oct. 5, Councillor Doug McKechnie will be asking for interim control on cannabis growth facilities as a way of reviewing the way they are establishing in Clearview Township.
An Interim Control Bylaw is a tool available to Ontario municipalities under Section 38 of the Planning Act to place a temporary freeze on the development of lands while the municipality is studying or reviewing its land use policies, reads McKechnie’s notice of motion.
He says Clearview Township has received complaints and inquiries relating to existing and emerging cannabis production and processing facilities within the Township.
An expansion of Peace Naturals near Stayner took neighbours by surprise when it expanded. The reason neighbours were not informed is that the cannabis growth facility complies with the existing agricultural zone on the property, so no public process was required under the township’s bylaws. Because there isn’t a lot of industrial land in the township the previous council agreed medical marijuana was a permitted agricultural use.
If it passes, staff would be directed to undertake a study of the land use planning policies to develop appropriate policies and regulations for the production, processing and growing of cannabis in the township. Staff would also prepare an Interim Control Bylaw, for Council’s consideration, to restrict for a period of one year the development of cannabis production, processing and growing facilities within the township, with exemptions provided for General Industrial Zoning in order to allow Staff the time necessary to study and develop appropriate land use planning policies and zoning regulations.
McKechnie is hoping this can be ready for the Oct. 26 council meeting.