Pubdate: Thu, 30 Mar 2017
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Dave Battagello
Page: A5

KINGSVILLE WILL STUDY POT-GROWING COMPLAINTS

Some Kingsville residents are raising a stink about their neighbours
growing pot.

Town administrators are expected to report back next month and clarify
the municipality's role with complaints from those who reside close to
someone who holds a licence to grow medical marijuana.

Kingsville Coun. Larry Patterson brought a neighbourhood complaint to
council at a meeting on Monday night. He supports the use of medical
marijuana, but said there are concerns over the smell and disposal of
waste from the plants.

There are currently a handful of licence holders allowed to grow their
own medical marijuana throughout the town, although the town does not
know the exact number because of confidentiality.

The complaints Patterson received are from residents in a subdivision
where the homes are all in proximity, he said.

"We are not sure if there is a setback distance," he said. "The odour
does drift and some people don't want that in a residential
neighbourhood. The waste product is being put on the roadside curb."

Administration will study the town's bylaws to determine its legal
responsibilities and turn to Health Canada for more information, said
Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos.

"There have been some concerns in a neighbourhood with an individual
licensed by the federal government for medical marijuana," he said.
"It gets into the area of what kind of waste and how it is disposed.
That's kind of unknown for us.

"It's a bit of an educational piece. Do property standards come into
play? We have questions and (administration) will come back to us in a
report so that we have a better understanding of Health Canada and the
guidelines."

Santos expects the council report will "tell us what is in our
jurisdiction and what is outside."

With talk of the federal government legalizing the use of recreational
marijuana by July 2018, Patterson said: "I can't see how they can
allow that to happen without precautions put in place.

"Odour has to be controlled and disposing of plants (waste materials)
done properly," he said.

"There are residential areas where they are having concerns. We need
to look at this so everything is not in a grey area."

He wants to see a middle ground for those holding a licence to grow
and residents who live in proximity, Patterson said.

"We want to make sure we come up with something where everybody can
work together and resolve the issues," he said. "When we make
decisions, we want to be fair for everyone."

Leamington Mayor John Paterson said there have not been any complaints
in his town either about any individual or the primary commercial
operation, Aphria, which is near populated areas.

He said there were some initial complaints on Aphria, "but they have
been very conscientious and took necessary steps. We haven't heard any
complaints since."
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MAP posted-by: Matt