Pubdate: Thu, 20 Aug 2015
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/letters.html
Website: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Paula McCooey
Page: A3

VAPOUR LOUNGE READY TO REOPEN

Shut down in May for code violations

Ottawa's first marijuana vapour lounge plans to reopen by Sept. 1,
almost four months after city officials shuttered the controversial
operation.

Staff from the building code services department served BuzzOn lounge
co-owner Wayne Robillard with a cease-and-desist order on May 15,
citing code violations and safety issues. They also issued a $3,000
fine for operating an unsafe building.

The city's actions followed visits by police and fire officials after
the lounge opened on April 20 on Montreal Road. BuzzOn does not sell
marijuana, but rents vaporizers to customers who bring their own supply.

On Wednesday Robillard announced that modifications to the business
are nearly complete. The changes include fireproofing the ceilings and
furnace room and a new air exchange system and washroom facilities.

"We are certain we will be reopened by Sept. 1 and are trying to make
it sooner," he said.

BuzzOn members pay $5 a day to use the vaporizers and socialize in the
lounge. Since it does not sell anything but water and pop at cost, it
is not considered a retail space. If BuzzOn passes city inspection,
the reopened space will be classed as a "place of assembly."

Building code services director Frank Bidin said the city does not
comment on specific work undertaken by property owners, but
acknowledged that a building permit was issued to allow BuzzOn to
resolve fire and safety issues.

"The City confirms that work is progressing in accordance with the
plans, specifications and other documentation on the basis of which
the building permit was issued," Bidin said in a statement relayed by
the city's media department.
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MAP posted-by: Matt