Pubdate: Sun, 07 Jul 2013
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352

NEW POT RULES NEED DEBATE

It's obvious the federal government isn't worried about communication.

It was in June that Health Canada announced new policies regarding
medicinal marijuana and that plants would no longer be grown in
residential settings. Instead, industrialization of the process will
take place.

However, local authorities such as the Regional District of North
Okanagan still don't know what implications the new policy will have
on them and their responsibilities for land use and ensuring buildings
meet code.

"A lot of people are scratching their heads about this," said Rob
Smailes, RDNO's general manager of planning and building.

And during a conference call with other local and provincial
jurisdictions Thursday, it was clear that RDNO isn't the only one
unsure of its role.

The concerns are valid as these large-scale operations have the
potential to be unlike anything local authorities have had to approve
before. It's anticipated they will be concrete or brick to ensure
security and will follow different designs than a barn. For areas
outside of the Agricultural Land Reserve, communities will have to
determine if industrial zoning is in place. Many issues that have
arisen with residential marijuana-grow sites will continue as well,
including odour from chemicals and the potential fire risk such
materials can create.

With 2014 just around the corner and Ottawa bent on implementing its
new rules, now is the time for the federal government to sit down with
local authorities and discuss what its expectations are.

After all, it will be local communities dealing with any fallout.
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MAP posted-by: Matt