Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 Source: Standard, The (St. Catharines, CN ON) Copyright: 2014 St. Catharines Standard Contact: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/letters Website: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/676 Author: Suzanne Mason Page: A5 CHANGES IN WIND FOR 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. Licenses 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.