Pubdate: Wed, 02 Apr 2014
Source: Cochrane Times (CN AB)
Copyright: 2014 Cochrane Times
Contact: http://www.cochranetimes.com/letters
Website: http://www.cochranetimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1588

RVC RECATEGORIZES LAND-USE FOR MARIJUANA GROWING OPERATIONS

Commercial marijuana growing operations have been recategorized in the
land-use bylaw of Rocky View County (RVC).

A new bylaw adopted by the county council now defines the cultivation
of marijuana as a commercial operation and is no longer included as a
crop under the RVC's horticulture and agricultural rules. Production
facilities are limited to land that is commercially zoned, and the
operations must be located at least 400 metres from a residence,
residential land, or school.

There are 24 industrial or business areas in the county where
commercial operations are currently permitted, but some may be too
close to homes or schools to allow marijuana operations. Landowners,
though, can apply for zoning re-designation for any parcel of land in
RVC to accommodate the facilities. It would need to go through a
rezoning process that includes public hearings.

The county began examining its land-use bylaw last year after Health
Canada declared its intention to move medical marijuana growing out of
the hands of individual users and into large-scale commercial growing
operations. The decision by a senior level of government meant that
the county had to accept the operations, but Health Canada's specific
use of the word "commercial" throughout its legislation led RVC
council towards classifying the operations as commercial
enterprises.

Sought was an appropriate balance between legal commercial marijuana
growing operations and the quality-of-life concerns of the county's
residents, explained a county news release. County officials consulted
with neighbouring municipalities, law enforcement agencies, legal
counsel and residents to develop a bylaw that would be seen as fair
and reasonable, and that would respect Health Canada's decision.

Recent court injunctions have delayed Health Canada's move to shut
down individual medical marijuana production, but the development of
large-scale commercial operations continues.

Canadians who have a doctor's prescription can legally use marijuana
for specific medical conditions.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D